Presbyterian Herald March 2022

MARCH 2022

Faith on

the farm

DOWN ON THE FARM

Sowing the seeds of sustainability

A COMMUNITY IN GRIEF

Reflecting on the murder of Ashling Murphy

EVERY NATION, TRIBE AND PEOPLE Racism and the church

Make a difference daily

“I wish I had made the career change sooner.”

“Some days, it doesn’t even feel like work.”

Enjoy a flexible schedule and attractive benefits while supporting children with disabilities.

All levels of experience are welcome to apply.

No experience?

No problem.

You will be fully supported so you feel confident from Day 1!

Visit apply.praxiscare.org or email recruit@praxiscare.org.uk to find out how you can get started.

Learn more @praxiscare

Full page ad - Presbyterian Church Ireland - 176 mm x 256 mm.indd 1

26/01/2022 11:46

CONTENTS | MARCH 2022

FEATURES 12 At the heart of Ballygomartin

A congregation reaching out to the community in love

16 A community in grief

Reflecting on the murder of Ashling Murphy

18 All the days of my life

New PCI resource for those in later life

20 Down on the farm

Sowing the seeds of sustainability

32 Every nation, tribe and people Racism and the church

36 An immersive reading experience

At the heart of Ballygomartin p12

A new way to read the Bible

38 Learning to listen

Spiritual formation retreats

REGULARS 4 5 8 9 10 11 15 23 31 40 42 46

Letters News In this month My story Life lessons Norman Hamilton David Clarke Mission Connect Ruth Sanderson Reviews Life in PCI Crossword

A community in grief p16

CONTRIBUTORS

Cover photo: Jamie Trimble March 2022 No. 836 Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org

Every nation, tribe and people p32

Ruth Garvey-Williams is a journalist, author and researcher who has served in Christian ministry for over 30 years. She is the VOX magazine editor.

Roz Stirling is the founder and director of Cleopas, a ministry that offers retreat and reflective space for any Christian seeking to abide more deeply in Christ.

Alan Meban attends Kilmakee Presbyterian Church and writes about culture and politics as Alan in Belfast on his own blog and Slugger O’Toole.

Suzanne Hamilton is Senior Communications Assistant for the Herald.

She attends Ballyholme Presbyterian in Bangor, is married to Steven and mum to twin boys.

Editor: Sarah Harding

The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor. Editorial comment and signed Subscriptions and Advertising: articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can only be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements Elaine Huddleston; does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. Advertising will not be Suzanne Hamilton included if the product or service is deemed to be in conflict with the Church’s Design and Layout: official views, or if it is inappropriate for a church magazine. It is not Herald policy Edward Connolly to include any editorial content along with adverts. The editor reserves the right Printing: to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may W & G Baird Ltd be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding nonpublication of advertisements or letters.

FSC LOGO

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104483); Registered Charity in Republic of Ireland (20015695).

Herald March 2022

3

EDITORIAL

LETTERS Accredited Preacher Scheme

Love and sacrifice

I recently came across an interesting video on my Twitter feed that had a clip from the Late Show in the USA. Popstar Dua Lipa had turned the interview tables on host Stephen Colbert and was asking him how he balances his Christian faith and his comedy. He gives an interesting and rather profound answer, referencing Kenneth Brannagh’s new film, Belfast along the way. But he also says that his faith is “always connected to the idea of love and sacrifice.”

These two words struck me when looking at the content of this month’s Herald.

In ‘My story’ Laura Whitcroft and husband Derek sacrificed the comfort of familiarity when they followed God’s leading from Belfast to Sligo. Responding to the Lord’s prompting, they left jobs, family and friends behind, with a simple goal: “…join the local church, do ordinary jobs, get involved in our local community, build relationships and with God’s help share our faith.”

In his column, Norman Hamilton speaks of loving our neighbour and sacrificing our rights. Concerned that there is an increasing desire for personal choice, without the same increase in care for how decisions affect others, he says: “For Christian people, it is of first importance that lovefilled relationships matter a great deal, and ought to be at the heart of everything we do and everything we are.”

Also this month, Ruth Garvey-Williams reports on a lengthy piece of research from Vox magazine and the Irish Council of Churches that surveyed church members throughout Ireland about racism, discrimination and exclusion. For the Herald she has summarised the specific findings about PCI. At times this makes uncomfortable reading and if change is to come about, it will certainly take honest reflection and commitment. Maybe most importantly though, it will take love. One respondent insightfully says, “We are blind to our own world view, but it is the lens through which we interpret others.” Unless we adopt a lens of love, we cannot expect to be the open, warm and inclusive Church that Jesus asks us to be.

Of course, we can never achieve this on our own, and thankfully God doesn’t expect us to. Sharon Garlough Brown will be speaking on the subject of spiritual formation at several upcoming retreats this spring. She says, “We don’t have the power to make ourselves like Jesus. That is the Spirit’s work. But through the practice of prayer and other spiritual disciplines, we are trained to grow in our attentiveness to the presence of God with us and, within us… It is a way of being with God and resting in his love and grace.”

Read Roz Stirling’s article, ‘Learning to listen’, to find out more.

4

Herald March 2022

Dear Editor I feel compelled to contact the Herald about PCI’s Accredited Preacher Scheme (APS). I want to state from the outset that I am an accredited preacher and am someone who relies on God’s grace every day.

However, I have been left completely disillusioned and demoralised by how infrequently I have been called upon as an accredited preacher to conduct worship on a Sunday morning.

I know that the Covid pandemic has had an adverse effect on church worship but even before the pandemic I was rarely called upon. I think the APS has failed me and most likely others as well. Part of the problem is that the area I live in has a strong network of retired ministers who are given primacy for pulpit supply. It is my intention to step down from my accredited preacher

role such is the negative impact of the scheme on me.

I accept my shortcomings but I challenged myself to apply for the scheme and successfully completed the programme. I enjoyed the APS training experience, the course work and especially the mentoring I received during my placement with a congregation. I’m sure some other accredited preachers can identify with the negativity I have experienced.

I feel completely dejected at being discarded.

Is the APS a box-ticking initiative being driven by Church House centrally? We hear so much about how much accredited preachers will be needed in the future with the potential shortfall in ordained ministers. The Presbyterian Church should not worry – there are plenty of retired ministers waiting in the wings!

Name and address withheld

Topical Tweets @Education_NI Speaking at yesterday’s Presbyterian Church in Ireland conference on education the Minister said it was heartening to see so many people invested in the future of education in Northern Ireland. @pciassembly @PCIModerator As vigils take place to honour Ashling Murphy who was tragically killed this week, and to highlight women’s safety in our communities, I offer my deepest sympathy to her family and friends, and pray for them in their grief and loss. So very sad. @PCIassembly Give thanks for all who have supported the ‘Weathering the Storm’ World Development Appeal which will support Christian Aid & Tearfund projects in Ethiopia and Haiti.

Pray that through the projects, many will be blessed with fullness of life in Christ.

Afghanistan crisis In early February, in response to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, the Moderator, Dr David Bruce, wrote to PCI congregations across Ireland encouraging members to pray for the people of Afghanistan and to support the work of partners operating in the country.

The United Nations estimates that 95% of the 40 million people in the country, currently in the grip of winter, do not have enough to eat. More than eight million people are on the brink of famine, and there are fears that without emergency relief some 23 million people will face desperate hardship in the coming months. This has come about due to the worst drought for nearly 30 years, the recent conflict and change in government, economic collapse and mass unemployment, which has caused the cost of food and basic necessities to soar. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, the country’s healthcare system is also very close to collapse.

Encouraging PCI members to consider their response to this humanitarian emergency, Dr Bruce said, “I want to encourage members of our congregations to pray earnestly for those who are experiencing such unimaginable hardship and suffering at this time, and to consider giving financially…I ask that you please give generously through the emergency appeals of Christian Aid or Tearfund, PCI’s relief and development partners.

Both charities are working through local organisations on the ground to bring food and aid to the people most affected. In addition, you may wish to support the work of one or our partners in global mission – SAT-7, broadcasting the Christian message of hope into Afghanistan through the SAT-7 PARS Channel, especially supportive of the small Christian community.”

For more information go to: www.christianaid.ie www.tearfund.org www.sat7.org

Rev John Kirkpatrick to be next Moderator PCI’s next Moderator will be Rev John Kirkpatrick, minister of Portrush Presbyterian Church for nearly 30 years.

The 65-year-old, who describes himself as a ‘son and grandson of the manse’, received the most votes from the Church’s 19 presbyteries when they met at the beginning of February, to elect a successor to current Moderator, Dr David Bruce.

Commenting on his election, Mr Kirkpatrick said, “I am genuinely surprised by what has happened, but very excited at the prospect of the story God is going to write from June and the months that follow.”

Born in Limavady, Mr Kirkpatrick was brought up from the age of three in Ballymena. A thirdgeneration Presbyterian minister, his father had been minister of Balteagh Presbyterian, near Limavady, while his grandfather had also served in congregations in counties Donegal, Tyrone and Antrim.

Mr Kirkpatrick has been minister of Portrush Presbyterian for nearly 30 years, having served in the holiday town since 1993. Prior to that, he spent nearly six years in Garryduff Presbyterian near Ballymoney, his first congregation. He was ordained in 1985 as an assistant minister in Megain Memorial and Mersey Presbyterian churches in east Belfast. When he became minister in Portrush, he also represented PCI in its partner relationships in Central and Eastern Europe until 2005.

Thinking about his forthcoming year in office, Mr Kirkpatrick said he was looking forward to “building good relationships wherever possible, honouring Jesus and representing our Church across the island and further afield.”

He added, “For everyone, the last two years have seen all aspects of life, and church life with it, turned upside down and the story still isn’t over yet.

As time moves on, I hope and pray that we will be able to process the many painful memories that it has left behind. I appreciate that this will not be an easy, or a straightforward journey for everyone, as our stories are all different.

“With this in mind, as Moderator, I look forward to visiting congregations, ministers and their families, seeing what they have been through, how they have coped, and ministering into that. Stepping into my predecessor’s shoes after two years will not be easy, and I pay tribute to Dr Bruce as he has led the Church through this time of national and global crisis.

Whatever the year may hold, I am thankful to God, that I won’t be undertaking it alone, and certainly not in my own strength, for Jesus will be with me!”

Alongside Mr Kirkpatrick, this year’s nominees were Dr Colin McClure (minister of First Larne), Dr Trevor McCormick (minister of First Kilrea and Boveedy) and Rev Alastair McNeely (minister of Richhill). Mr Kirkpatrick received 10 votes (Ballymena, North Belfast, South Belfast, East Belfast, Dromore, Dublin & Munster, Iveagh, Omagh, Templepatrick and Tyrone); Mr McNeely received five (Ards, Armagh, Derry & Donegal, Down and Monaghan); Dr McCormick three (Coleraine & Limavady, Newry and Route) and Dr McClure one (Carrickfergus).

Mr Kirkpatrick will be officially nominated to this year’s General Assembly at its opening night in Belfast on 22 June.

Herald March 2022

5

NEWS | IN THE ROUND PCI Talks Education The Presbyterian Church in Ireland recently brought together over 100 teachers, senior leaders, school governors and other education professionals from across the denomination for ‘PCI Talks Education: A vision for the future in Northern Ireland.’

Addressing the conference at Assembly Buildings, Belfast, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen said, “The education of our children and young people goes far beyond the Department of Education, or even schools and colleges. It requires the dedication of teachers, governors, parents and many more. The support of local churches, such as yours, is also key in placing schools at the heart of their communities.

Delegates participated in small group discussions on key themes, the feedback from which will inform and shape PCI’s response to the Independent Review of Education.

Speaking at the close of the event, Dr Andy Brown, chair of PCI’s State Education committee, said, “We believe that the values and Christian ethos that PCI, and the other Churches, cherish and promote in education are healthy and positive for children and young people. At the same time, our partnerships with local schools in our communities are an act of service for the common good. This morning has been an important opportunity to reflect on how, in a changing world, we can continue to be effective in our mission to serve our society, our communities, our families, our children and young people, through constructive leadership and partnership in education.”

Mayoral visit to IMP The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, visited International Meeting Point in south Belfast recently to hear more about the work of IMP across the city, as well as meet staff, volunteers and people participating in English language classes.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Kate Nicholl meets Presbyterian Moderator Dr David Bruce

The Harbour Team launch A new group has been set up to support ministers.

Made up of experienced clergy from various denominations, the Harbour Team aims to provide a place of spiritual and psychological ‘sanctuary’.

This initiative is part of the Care4Clergy group, and is in recognition of the pressures and expectations which all clergy face and the lack of opportunity they have to talk about these in a confidential setting.

Rev Gabrielle Farquhar, from the Harbour Team, says, “No matter what our differing backgrounds within the Christian church, we found that certain triggers for difficulties like stress, burnout, conflict are common to all clergy. This new peer group initiative therefore opens up a whole new support network for all clergy.”

The team can be contacted through the Care4Clergy Facebook page or Care4Clergy website. The Harbour Team, whilst not a counselling service, will be there to offer a listening ear and a confidential and safe space for clergy who may be overwhelmed or burdened.

Regret at First Minister’s resignation Minister for Education Michelle McIlveen MLA addresses the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s conference.

Beyond the stereotype A significant new research report into educational underachievement in controlled schools – commissioned and funded by the Transferor Representatives’ Council – has been launched by Stranmillis University College.

‘Beyond the Stereotype’ is based on group interviews with principals, teachers and pupils in eight primary and post-primary schools in suburban, town and rural areas, and also with school governors and other leaders in those communities. The study aims to go ‘beyond the stereotype’ of the well-documented challenge of underachievement among Protestant working class boys in inner-city areas, and to ‘cast the net wider’ to provide a broader and more representative picture. It raises important questions about the purpose of education and how we measure success.

A range of perspectives – supportive and critical – on the role of Protestant Churches in education is heard; the study affirms that where school leaders are open to church involvement (which cannot be assumed) and where a local church engages meaningfully, tangibly and unconditionally in its local school, “there is enormous potential to improve educational outcomes.”

The report is available on the Stranmillis University College website – www.stran.ac.uk – and the TRC website – www.trc-churcheducation.org

6

Herald March 2022

PCI Moderator Dr David Bruce has expressed his regret that it was felt necessary for the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Paul Givan, to resign.

Dr Bruce said, “At our event to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland in September last year, I said the power-sharing arrangements which exist in Northern Ireland, ‘while not by any means perfect, are precious.’

“We therefore regret that it was felt necessary for the First Minister to resign. We have long supported the existence of devolved government, and lament the position that has been arrived at today.

While the Deputy First Minister will now no longer hold office, we note that other ministers will stay in place at this time, and therefore some important aspects of the work of their departments can continue.

That being said, there is no doubt that it will be the most vulnerable in our society who potentially will suffer most during this next period of uncertainty and lack of clear decision-making,” Dr Bruce added.

“There is clearly in certain quarters a growing frustration around the significant delays in resolving the issues caused by implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. For the sake of everyone in Northern Ireland, the UK government and the European Union urgently need to bring their negotiations to an acceptable conclusion. Likewise, there will be significant frustration about today’s actions and the threat to the devolved institutions which they present. Our political parties need to proactively work together to find a way forward. In both of these areas, a great deal can be achieved when we seek honourable accommodations focused on the common good.”

NEWS | PCI Apprentice opportunities PCI is facilitating a new framework, designed to team up those who would like to serve as a congregational apprentice, with churches who would like to host someone who will be supported in playing a key role in the development of some identified aspect of their church’s life or witness.

Unlike the previous PCI Intern scheme, apprenticeships are not age specific or limited to working in the area of children’s or youth work, and the identification and appointment of an apprentice is the responsibility of the congregation. Apprentices can serve either in their own congregation or respond to a congregational advertisement hosted on the PCI website to serve in a new setting.

If you are 18 years or above, an active member of your church, seeking to grow, serve and would like to be supported in exploring and developing your gifts, then this opportunity is ideal for you.

If your congregation would like to recruit an apprentice, supplying a short profile by 30 April 2022 may be a crucial step towards identifying the person for whom you are looking.

An accompanying training programme for apprentices, jointly designed and delivered

by PCI and the Institute for Ministry (Union Theological College), begins with a two-day intensive training session at the start of September 2022, and will then be delivered one Friday each month until June 2023.

Find out more at: www.presbyterianireland.org/ apprentice

Two years on | Family discipleship Later this month marks the second anniversary of the start of the first pandemic lockdown. Being a parent, like everything else, changed in an instant.

The challenge of family discipleship began to loom large as church and its many children’s ministry activities ground to a halt. Parents and children experienced new pressures and struggles, alongside new patterns of family life that were found to be refreshing. We still aren’t out the other end.

An online webinar, for parents of children aged 0–11 years, offers a chance to reflect and share something of the journey of discipling our children through these difficult times, and think about how we continue to do that in the weeks and months to come. The webinar takes place on Wednesday 23 March, from 7.45pm to 9pm.

To book your place go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/twoyearson

Onward: Journeying together in hope A live-streamed event for young people takes place on Saturday 2 April, starting at 7.30pm.

‘Onward’ will allow young people across PCI to join in a totally new way, to move onward, journeying together in hope. Whether you are a smaller or larger youth group, or a number of local churches joining together for this event, the programme will have dynamic, fun elements for young people to enjoy wherever they are.

The main-stage worship and talks will be streamed to help us all walk a journey from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, a journey of hope to strengthen us all as we look to the future. To register your youth group, go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/onward

Podcast reaches milestone PCI’s ‘Refined’ podcast series has now passed a significant milestone – the release of its 50th episode.

The Refined digital hub was created to support and develop congregational life and witness during the first lockdown in March 2020.

Initially under the banner ‘These Three Remain: Stories of faith, hope and love’, the bundle of resources made available at the time sought to draw together practical examples of how congregations were responding to the lockdown and the unprecedented challenges of continuing ministry and mission. Today, the Refined hub on the PCI website continues to provide a range of updated content that is focused on supporting congregations and their members in responding to the impact of the pandemic.

All episodes of the Refined podcast series can be found on www.audioboom.com/channels/5019668. This feed also contains audio from various PCI addresses, lectures and events. Listeners can subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, RSS, or other audio streaming services by searching for ‘Podcasts from the Presbyterian Church’.

Ministry taster day Union Theological College is holding a ministry taster day on Saturday 26 March.

This will be an opportunity for anyone who wants to find out more about serving God and studying for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Students and past students will share their stories of how the Lord led them, and their experience of study and service. Staff will share about the college and courses, and will be on hand to answer questions.

The taster day starts with coffee at 10.30am and ends after lunch at 1pm.

This is a free event, but please register by 21 March for catering purposes. For further details contact David Leach on d.leach@union.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)28 9020 5080.

IN BRIEF Irish CE Convention The 107th Irish National Christian Endeavour Convention will be held on Saturday 17 September in the T3 Conference Centre at VicRyn, Lisburn.

Rev John T. Graham, associate minister in Hill Street Presbyterian Church, Lurgan, will speak on the theme ‘Faith over fear’.

Moderator pays tribute to the Queen PCI Moderator Dr David Bruce has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth on the start of her Platinum Jubilee. “…I would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to her sense of duty, commitment, and unwavering devotion to public service, something the passage of time certainly has not diminished. These qualities have, I believe, been sustained by her deep personal faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

“In a letter to Her Majesty I acknowledged that sense of duty, and indeed, her commitment to peacebuilding on this island, and let her know that across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, she is remembered by many in our prayers,” said Dr Bruce.

Cross Section podcast The Evangelical Alliance has launched a new podcast, called Cross Section, for conversations at the intersection of faith, news and culture.

The weekly podcast, hosted

by Evangelical Alliance advocacy engagement lead Damilola Makinde, UK director Peter Lynas, and head of advocacy Danny Webster, discusses the biggest stories of the week and offers a unique blend of analysis, opinions, engagement and banter.

Herald March 2022

7

IN THIS MONTH...

March 2004

Dipping into the archives to take a look back at what was making Presbyterian headlines and news in history.

Religion and science Dr Robert Crawford

Never a day passes but science makes some pronouncement on what we eat or drink or what new medical drugs will help or how much our genes affect us…But the gifts of science are two-edged, sometimes bringing benefits but at other times reminding us of the massive weapons of destructive power which it has placed in our hands…

A number of people think that science has nothing to do with religion….

But if God has created the world then what science discovers about it may help us to understand him…

But is science not based on fact while religion relies on faith? True to some extent, but science has a number of beliefs which cannot be proved. It proceeds on the basis that there is order and regularity and that we can discover how the world behaves... Religion also proceeds on the basis that God exists (Hebrews 11:6) and that he is the rewarder of those that seek him.

It is clear that religion is interested in the order and beauty of the world, and the meaning of it all. Problems about sin, suffering, forgiveness are the areas of focus which are personal, whereas science in general is more impersonal and often deals with objects. But some sciences such as sociology and psychology do deal with the personal and the latter offers the kind of counselling once reserved for religion…

We do not divide life into different compartments, what we do in one influences another, why then seek to totally separate religion and science? Both disciplines make cognitive claims and need to be able to defend them.

A useful distinction however is that religion deals with the WHY question and science with the HOW. Science tells how the universe came into existence whereas religion explains why it exists…

Religion cannot be based on science, but its views should have some consonance with the scientific understanding of the world and mankind otherwise it fails to communicate with a scientific society. Conversely, if science seeks to proceed without any acknowledgement of the values and purpose which religion impart to life, its methods may become inhumane and its goals meaningless…

Holywood welcomes the President

Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, with her husband Dr Martin McAleese, attended a service of reconciliation in High Street Church, Holywood. Rev Norman Harrison is photographed welcoming the President and Dr McAleese. Also in the photograph (left to right): Colin Cochrane, youth coordinator in High Street congregation; Tim Bromley, Session clerk; and Denis Maloney, Dublin civil servant. Picture by Harrison Photography.

Also from March ’04 8

Herald March 2022

The Republic of Ireland bans smoking in all workplaces

Britney Spears tops the UK music charts with Toxic

The rebuilding of Whitehouse

The Moderator recently visited Whitehouse Presbyterian Church, which was totally destroyed by fire 18 months ago. He was shown how the plans on paper will be transformed into a building suitable for the congregation’s work and witness in the 21st century by Norman Hutchinson (Kennedy Fitzgerald and Associates), Rev Ian McDonald (moderator of presbytery), Rev Liz Hughes (minister of Whitehouse) and Mark Finlay (Kennedy Fitzgerald and Associates). “Much prayer and thought has gone into getting the rebuilding programme to this stage,” explained Mrs Hughes. “Right from when the church was destroyed we said we would continue our ministry here and when these plans become reality, we will have the facilities we need to continue effectively witnessing to our faith.”

Bomb attacks on four Madrid commuter trains kill 191

MY STORY...

Laura Whitcroft tells her story of following God’s call from Belfast to Sligo.

Go west

“T

he Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, became the norm. The pandemic has been a terrible ordeal for your relatives and you father’s family and go so many people and we have known friends who have lost loved to the land I will show you’…So Abram left ones. But we definitely had a sense that God had brought us Haran as the Lord had told him…At this time here and would keep us in his care.

Abram was 75 years old” (Genesis 12:1–4).

We have been renting for just over two years and have seen On 15 January 2020, God called me and my husband Derek God’s guidance and care in so many ways. Recently we became out of ‘your country’, (which was north Belfast), to ‘the land I communicant members of Sligo Presbyterian (on transfer from will show you’ which was Co Sligo in the west of Ireland – not our ‘home’ congregation, Ballysillan Presbyterian, north Belfast). quite Abram’s age but not spring chickens either!

We enjoy helping with the music in church on Sundays. Derek Our move to Sligo was the culmination has been asked to join the preaching of a long journey which goes back 28 years rota in Ballina, Killala and Grainamore We have had to rely on when we were married and honeymooned Presbyterian churches during their vacancy. in the south; to holidaying in Ireland; to God for housing and jobs This has given us an idea of what it is like our daughter Carrie attending University when ministers are called to more than perhaps like we never College, Dublin; to eventually hearing one charge as it involves an early start on a the Lord speak very clearly to us both at Sunday morning! have before.

PCI’s Special Assembly in 2010. Dr David We have both found temporary Bruce’s challenging talk asked, to what employment. Derek has had some subbing extent did we see Ireland as our home, our mission? A map as a teacher, but more recently administrative work in the showed the location of the Presbyterian churches throughout Civil Service which he has enjoyed after 30 years as a primary Ireland and the stark reality that the shift and pattern was school teacher. Myself, in a small university where I do two north and east rather than south and west. That really spoke to days a week in administration. We have gotten to know our us both. It started us on many visits to churches in the south, neighbours and been able to have conversations about prayer tentatively trying to get a clearer vision of God’s call. and faith issues.

We always felt, and still do, that we were simply to join So, that is our story, our journey so far. We are as excited the local church, do ordinary jobs, get involved in our local about the next steps as we were when we first arrived. Before community, build relationships and with God’s help share our we moved, Derek often said that all the ducks will not be in faith. Articles by Rev Stephen Lockington: ‘Come help grow a row before we go – they weren’t and still aren’t! Being an the church in the Irish Republic’ and Rev Molly Deatherage: ‘A administrator and an ex-midwife, I like order and planning so call to come to Mayo,’ contributed to our sense of calling. ducks not in a row does not sit comfortably with me! But isn’t On holiday in 2017 in Sligo, we wondered if we could see that the nature of calling and having to rely on God for the next ourselves there. Again, more visits, this time to Sligo Presbyterian steps? We have no idea what God might be asking you as you where we got to know Rev David Clarke and people from the read this. Maybe it’s only across the road, or it’s from the south congregation, ending in our move in January 2020. to the north! We are so glad we took the first steps. We have We had been just eight short weeks living in a rented house had to rely on God for housing and jobs perhaps like we never in Cliffoney, County Sligo, when the pandemic hit and we were have before. The pandemic turned everything upside down. But plummeted into the hugely different world of Covid, severe we are so glad we are here and trusting God for the next part of lockdowns, vaccines, ‘R’ numbers, daily updates of cases and our journey. Trust God for yours. sadly, deaths. In church, Zoom Bible studies and online services

Herald March 2022

9

PERSONAL VIEW

Life lessons Scotty Smith

Main speaker at PCI church planting conference ‘A Time to Plant’ I came to Jesus as a senior in high school in 1968, and immediately dismissed the church as irrelevant. The reason?

Because I never heard the gospel clearly preached in my church family, so I had an ecclesiastical chip on my shoulder for a while.

Until I started studying the Bible and discovered how central the church is to Jesus’ heart and the history of redemption.

After graduating from Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia, I was ordained, and four years later, I helped plant Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee in 1981. And then in 1986 was sent out by CPC to plant Christ Community Church in Franklin, just south of Nashville.

I pastored there for 26 years. For the past nine years, I have been serving as Teacher in Residence at West End Community Church, a 20-year-old church plant of CCC. Since I’ve been there, we have planted four daughter churches.

The person I most admire would be my spiritual father of 21 years, Dr C. John ( Jack) Miller, who has been in heaven since 1996. Jack was one of my professors at Westminster, and then fathered me in the gospel until Jesus took him home. No one taught and showed me more about the truth, goodness, and beauty of Jesus than Jack.

A time to plant

I deplore the rancour and divisiveness that have been normalised in our era. I grieve when we Christians lose sight of the beauty of Jesus and the centrality of the gospel; and start majoring on minor things and non-essentials.

Before I joined the staff, West End developed a relationship with Liberty Church in Dublin, and the ministry of Tiglin – a drug and alcohol recovery ministry. Though that partnership isn’t currently active, it put a love for both Ireland and Northern Ireland in the heart of West End.

Going through ministry burnout at age 50 propelled me into getting much-needed counselling and care. All which has helped me become a healthier man, husband, dad, friend, and pastor – more excited than ever about the ministry of the gospel.

In some ways, Northern Ireland is very similar to the USA, in terms of the need for the gospel. We both have a ‘presumed gospel’ by many of our more affluent communities. Still acknowledging the ‘lyric’ of the gospel (theology) but missing its ‘music’ – a deep love for Jesus that transcends every other treasure and claim. We both also have post-Christian secular citizens, for whom God talk is silly and irrelevant. We both also have communities of poverty, ‘tribal strife’, and addiction, and abuse.

And we are certainly both in need of revival!

The best advice I’ve been given is: “There’s nothing more than the gospel, just more of it.” That’s my shorthand summary of everything I learned from Jack Miller.

Church planting is important because it is God’s appointed means of showing and telling the good news of the gospel of his grace and offering the firstfruits of the ‘City whose builder and maker is God’. Church planting movements can offer redemptive presence, build trust, and offer neighbour-love to families inhabiting every sector of society. God has no plan B. Jesus’ Bride is central to the unfolding story of God’s commitment to redeem an every nation family for himself, and eventually, make all things new when Jesus returns.

New life 10

I love to walk, currently about seven miles a day. I love to fish, especially fly-fishing. I also enjoy walking on a beach with my wonderful wife of almost 50 years (5 May is our anniversary!), savouring a really good meal with friends, and photography.

Herald March 2022

I used to have a library of 7,000 volumes, before giving it to Covenant Seminary. But God greatly used J.I. Packer’s Knowing God in my life, along with The Cross of Christ by John Stott.

On 1 February 2020, I turned 70, and Darlene gave me the party of all parties – a veritable foretaste of the wedding feast of the lamb. Most precious friends from many decades of life gathered in our home, to feast on fabulous food, the love of Jesus, great music, and the tapestry of how God has woven our hearts and stories together through the gospel.

Scotty Smith is the main speaker at PCI’s church planting conference, ‘A Time to Plant’, on Saturday 7 May at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk. The event takes place between 10am and 4.30pm, and the cost is £22 or £12 for students. To register go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/atimetoplant

New people

New places

TALKING POINTS

Vaccine passports and personal choice

Norman Hamilton discusses how the issue of personal choice should be shaped by our faith.

T

he very sobering letter from Sam Pollock on Covid For Christian people, it is of first importance that love-filled vaccination passports in the Herald last month touches relationships matter a great deal, and ought to be at the heart of on other matters that we seem reluctant to discuss. In everything we do and everything we are. These are beautifully particular, the emphasis on almost unlimited personal summed up by Jesus in his response to the question he was choice in today’s society. This is eagerly embraced by every asked by the legal expert in Luke 10. One of the implications of supermarket, promoted by most politicians and defended in his answer is that I must take the responsibilities of citizenship many parts of the Christian church. Yet there is a dark side seriously, for it is not just about allegiance to a flag or a country. to ever growing personal choice. When options increase, Without doubt, our ultimate loyalty and citizenship is in they often develop into ‘rights’, and it then becomes almost heaven, but as so much of the Bible makes clear, there is a direct unthinkable to have limits on them. and pressing need for me as a citizen to seek the welfare of the Choice matters enormously. Salvation comes to us person by city (to use Jeremiah’s phrase) and to love my neighbour with as person, individually. And day in, day out, there are many much care as I might lavish on myself. personal choices to be made on how we spend our money Citizenship is about how I relate to other people, and they and our time. And occasionally there are to me. None of us is an island. I am really big personal choices to be made as on thousands of other people, …the more that personal dependent to where to live or how best to care for a most of whom I do not even know. I am loved one. dependent on the lorry driver as well as choice directly affects However, the more that personal choice the shop assistant. I am dependent on directly affects other people, the greater the other people, the greater the electricity regulator as well as the care that needs to be exercised in making the care that needs to be electrician who wired up my house when those decisions. For, as J.K. Rowling of it was being built. And when I go into Harry Potter fame famously said: “It is our exercised… hospital I am as dependent on the cleaner choices…that show what we truly are, far as I am on the nurse. So, just as I will more than our abilities.” It is hard to disagree. take precautions to limit my own exposure to Covid as far as Biblical teaching is clear for Christian people... for example, reasonably possible, I will also want to take precautions as far as in 1 Corinthians 10 we read: “‘I have the right to do anything,’ reasonably possible to ensure that I do not transmit it to other you say – but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right people if I am infected. to do anything’ – but not everything is constructive. No one Sam Pollock expressed his disappointment at some of the should seek their own good, but the good of others.” things that have been said about Covid passports. We also need And Paul reinforces this when he says in Philippians: “In to take seriously his stark statement that “there are those who humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own knowingly put the lives of others at risk”. I share his concerns, interests, but each of you to the interests of others.” and I would not be unhappy if vaccination passports were to be Paul is making the rather obvious point that having the right commonplace and used for the foreseeable future. As a follower to do something brings with it the responsibility to use that of Christ, it would be another way of making it clear to others right well and constructively as it affects other people, even if that their wellbeing matters to me. That is an ongoing and very and when there is real personal cost in doing so. important part of Christian witness.

From a biblical perspective this is surely of direct importance when considering the merits of Covid passports or even mandatory vaccination. Whilst I have real reservations about the latter issue, they are largely around the issue of politicians jumping to promote populist policies, or giving the state ever increasing power without adequate democratic debate or the building of consensus on complex ethical issues. For me, the core of the dilemma is not about the limitation of Rev Dr Norman Hamilton personal choice, but more about how best to strike the proper balance between the exercise of personal rights and the wider Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former responsibilities that come with them.

Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Herald March 2022

11

At the heart of

Ballygomartin Suzanne Hamilton finds out how Ballygomartin Presbyterian is reaching out in love to the local community.

A

church in the heart of the community, but with the community in its heart. That is an apt description for Ballygomartin Presbyterian Church.

Situated in west Belfast at the junction of the Ballygomartin and West Circular roads, the church is beside the Highfield estate – an area, like so many others, experiencing high unemployment and the problems associated with this.

Despite being vacant for the past three years, the congregation is working hard to shine light into an area where life isn’t always easy for residents. A café-style church service, supper club and a school prayer team are among the initiatives introduced in an attempt to reach out to their largely unchurched community.

While restrictions caused by Covid have disrupted some activities, the church is making great strides into connecting with locals. The Sunday school, which meets at 3pm each week, is a good example of this. There are 45 children on the roll, with 30 to 35 children coming each week.

Wesley McCreedy, superintendent of

12

Herald March 2022

Sunday school, explains: “Very few of the families attend church; this traditional afternoon Sunday school is their only contact with church. It’s the same with our Boys’ Brigade where we cater for 15 young people not connected with Ballygomartin Presbyterian. As well as the primary school-aged children at both organisations, we have a number of young teenagers attending Bible class.”

Likewise, of the 112 girls and officers on her register, Girls’ Brigade captain Helen Weatherald reckons 99.9% of the girls are from the area, with only a handful attending church.

“Quite a few come to Sunday school, but an awful lot of them – the majority – just come to GB. We look at it as very much being outreach into the community

…the congregation has been active in taking its witness out into the community.

Photos by Jamie Trimble

CONGREGATIONAL STORY

and district, an opportunity to teach the girls about the Bible,” she says.

While now back to meeting face to face on a weekly basis, the lockdown presented challenges, but Helen and her team kept in touch by taking elements of a normal GB night such as Bible classes and craft activities, and posting a video online every Monday – to coincide with the usual GB night. “We ran the programme basically online on our Facebook page.”

She adds, “Not everyone engaged with it, but it kept the contact, and it kept the page popping up on mums’ Facebook.”

The GB team also spent a day going around the doors last May, delivering gifts of DIY pizzas to members. “It was a nice way to make a little contact with the girls,” says Helen.

Their efforts have borne fruit, with 88 girls returning to GB when it finally reopened in September. Helen says they marked the occasion with a sociallydistanced fun night featuring balloons, a farm with small animals, and bouncy castles.

Wesley McCreedy (right)

Helen and her team obviously work hard at making GB a safe and enjoyable place. As well as completing badge work, there are fun nights, and the girls also have an input into content. Testament to the success of this approach is that those who were previously in the GB are now bringing their children to the Ballygomartin company.

“We refer to it as our wee GB family.

The officers have a very close bond together. All the officers came up through the GB and probably a lot of them were involved in Ballygomartin church. Some married and have gone to different churches, but they still come back to Ballygomartin GB,” says Helen.

She says the girls see the fellowship between officers on a Monday night, and they want to be a part of that.

In an effort to encourage those they encounter – through organisations like the Sunday school and GB – to consider attending church, Ballygomartin has introduced a less formal service called Lighthouse. Georgina Chestnutt explains, “We were aware a few years ago

The prayer team are in contact with four primary schools…One principal… called them her “prayer warriors”. that while we had a healthy membership in our child and youth organisations, particularly the Sunday school and GB, it doesn’t follow through to church attendance.”

They asked young churchgoers for their thoughts, and the answer was that most failed to follow the whole sermon and they didn’t like the old-fashioned music.

“We prayed and prayed for inspiration and guidance to try to do something. We felt led to create a more informal evening service,” says Georgina. Taking place once a month, the church is converted to look like a café. A praise band leads worship, and instead of a sermon, there is a talk lasting 10–15 minutes. Tea, coffee and juice are available before and during the service, and afterwards pizza or hot dogs

are served, so the young people don’t have to rush away. “It lets them sit back and chat, and we move around the tables and are able to talk to them,” says Georgina.

Some of the older members of Sunday school and BB came along, and they were joined by “the young at heart” as Georgina describes them. Before Covid restrictions halted the monthly Lighthouse, the numbers were 30 and growing, as friends of churchgoers started coming along.

“It was really brilliant for us. It was so uplifting to be at that and see the young people joining the adults.”

Another initiative to attract new faces through the church doors is a supper club.

Held mostly on a monthly basis, the club has proven hugely popular with 60 people gathering to enjoy a range of theme nights, from Chinese food and karaoke to gospel praise evenings, to a Turkish night.

There’s no charge, people make donations which cover costs and excess funds are donated to local charities.

“It was the same thing – trying to invite people from the surrounding community

Herald March 2022

13

Gary and Georgina Chestnutt

Helen Weatherald

Ronnie Waddell and the prayer team

into church,” says Georgina.

One unexpected benefit was the fellowship it created amongst the congregation. “It just created a really good fun atmosphere.”

While a lot of Ballygomartin’s activities are naturally centred at the church, the congregation has been active in taking its witness out into the community. The prayer team are in contact with four primary schools, and until Covid, had been going in once a week to pray for the needs of each school and their children.

One principal, now retired, called them her “prayer warriors”, while her successor has created a space called the ‘Jeremiah Room’ especially for the team.

Ronnie Waddell says the schools – Harmony, Springfield Road, Blackmountain and Springhill – are always glad to see the team coming in. Describing it as a “wonderful experience”, he says the team have seen a lot of changes as a result of their prayers. Springfield Road needed a new extension, but everything had been in limbo for a long time. Then all of a

14

Herald March 2022

sudden, the work took off and the school is now oversubscribed.

“Prayers have been answered, there’s no doubt about that,” says Ronnie.

While it is not possible for the team to currently go into schools, Ronnie hopes to re-start a Wednesday prayer group.

“I’m planning to ring the four schools and tell them we will be praying for them, and doing it in our own church,” he explains.

While Covid has halted many activities and plans, the congregation is not deterred: attendance at morning worship, which includes children’s church (where children who attend church have a full programme of Bible stories and activities) has remained steady during the pandemic.

In the short-term, Ballygomartin hopes to install a new minister and perhaps resurrect plans for outreach work with other churches in the area and Crown Jesus Ministries. Looking further ahead, there is a dream of taking the work with young people further by appointing a family worker.

Ballygomartin’s strength is due to the grounding the church has within the community – as Wesley says, “It’s a very strong community…Everybody knows everybody.”

REFLECTIONS

The preacher... on time David Clarke Themes in Ecclesiastes

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

However, life’s tapestry also suggests confidence in God. All these things are in his hands. The ‘season’ (v1) refers to a fixed or appointed time; and while the word ‘beautiful’ (v11) cholars often distinguish two words for ‘time’ in the is often used to refer to human appearance, it can also refer to Greek New Testament. The word chronos refers to time actions which are appropriate. Thus, v11 can read, “He makes as it rolls along, chronological time. The word kairos everything appropriate in its time”. His timing is perfect. We refers to the appropriate time for an activity. can rest content that all things are in his hands, and reverently This famous passage, used even in modern folk songs, may sing, “My times are in your hands, whatever they may be; seem at first sight to refer to the tact and wisdom needed to act pleasing or painful, dark or bright, as you know best for me.” at the kairos moment; e.g. the proper time to plant or to uproot This passage also speaks of the thirst for understanding. (v2). One recalls Kenny Rodgers’ song about The Gambler and “They cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to the need to “know when to walk away, know when to run”. end” (v11). At the risk of being accused of ‘speciesism’, we note But other events are involuntary, when no amount of acquired that one thing among others elevates human beings above the wisdom is involved, e.g. “a time to be born animal creation, and that is the desire His timing is perfect. We to know and understand. Animals don’t and a time to die” (v2).

Nor is this much-loved passage an ‘How?’ or ‘Why?’; humans do! That can rest content that all ask appeal to make the most of our time, compulsive desire to know and understand worthy though that would be. The preacher things are in his hands… is the foundation of all science and is not anticipating the dictum of Paul: philosophy, all invention and discovery.

“Make the most of every chance you get” (Ephesians 5:16 The Kipling’s poem The Explorer refers to that “everlasting Whisper” Message). That message is, of course, the key to productive living. that urges “Something hidden. Go and find it…Something lost Benjamin Franklin conveyed the truth in question and answer behind the Ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go!” form, “Do you love life? Then do not squander time, for that is The navigator, walking along a shore in the Iberian Peninsula, the stuff life is made of.” Yet that is not the lesson here. spotted branches with markings and leaves he could not The writer is commenting on the rich tapestry of life. Life identify, and concluded that another landmass must lie beyond is composed of the fluctuating ‘events’ of Prime Minister the western sea. In 1492, Columbus’ hunch was confirmed.

Macmillan’s famous observation. That tapestry, made of All this points to something deeper – the truth of eternity. different fabrics and colours, embraces a wide range of C.S. Lewis’ assertion that the existence of certain qualities that experiences. As one commentator noted, “Whatever may be our are not fulfilled in this life are unmistakable indicators that we skill and initiative, our real masters seem to be the inexorable are meant for something grander, is in accord with v11: “He has seasons; not only those of the calendar, but that tide of events also set eternity in the hearts of men”. Some may dismiss the which moves us now to one kind of action which seems to be hope of an afterlife as a sickly promise for the disappointed. Yet fitting, now to another.”

I wonder if they are quite so dogmatic when someone precious Families often only come together at funerals and weddings, to them passes away? at the “time to weep and the time to laugh” (v4). While human On the contrary, the Christian mind rebels at the thought intimacy is part of God’s good creation, there are also limits that a life of goodness, lived for high and unselfish purposes, to be observed: “a time to embrace and a time to refrain” (v5). should be snuffed out at death. Truly, “He has made us for When something is lost, we search for it, but if unsuccessful we himself, and our hearts are restless, until they rest in him,” in need the wisdom to know when to call the whole thing off; “a time and eternity. time to search and a time to give up” (v6).

Life’s rich tapestry ought to teach us humility, as it reminds us that we are not masters of our fate or captains of our souls. All Very Rev Dr David Clarke is a former PCI Moderator and minister may appear to go swimmingly, but then a twist of fate exposes emeritus of Terrace Row Presbyterian Church, Coleraine. our vulnerability.

S

Herald March 2022

15

A community in grief A community in grief William Hayes reflects on the impact of Ashling Murphy’s murder on the community of Tullamore.

William Hayes reflects on the impact of Ashling Murphy’s murder on the community of Tullamore.

T

he murder of Ashling Murphy was a crime that struck a note of horror around the world. As vigils took place as far apart as Sydney and New York, her death came to signify so much about the dangers that disproportionately face women in our society.

In Tullamore these society-wide issues have been present, but for our community it has also been a time of shock and grief.

Ashling was not only a national school (primary school) teacher who taught first class (P3) in a rural school just outside of the town, but she was involved in so many of the things that our community holds dear. She took part in GAA and played traditional Irish music.

One of the local head teachers put it like this: “With all that she was part of, it feels that this is more than the killing of one person, but an attack at the heart of our whole community.”

As a community, we gathered together for three vigils in different areas of the

16

Herald March 2022

town on the Friday after her murder. I, along with the other clergy in town, led prayers at the vigil in Tullamore Town Park. As we waited for the vigil to start, we watched in awe as thousands upon thousands of people from in and around our town poured into the park. The stage was surrounded by hundreds of traditional musicians and the park was filled with the sound of their playing in the time running up to the vigil ceremony.

As candles were laid out in the park in a heart shape, flowers began to be left at the entrance to the canal, and people expressed their shock and horror at all that had happened. The sharp mix of public grief, international media attention, and the private pain of a family brought to mind the events surrounding

The world’s cameras have gone but the grieving continues…

the death of Princess Diana.

Just as at that time of international public mourning over the untimely death of a young woman, so in the mourning over the death of Ashling Murphy, there was a complex and intermingled web of grieving in which our own losses and fears were expressed. At the time of Diana’s death, a new term entered into the popular consciousness: ‘vicarious grief ’. It came to refer to that bundling up of our own grief with the public mourning of someone we did not know personally.

Two decades ago that term was used to criticise the style and extent of the public grief over Diana, but vicarious grief is not something shallow, fashionable or tawdry to be distrusted or looked down upon. Wrapped up in our community and our country’s mourning for the murder of Ashling were the many losses that people up and down the country had faced during the pandemic. Alongside the grief for Ashling was the fear that

parents (like me) of girls have every time their daughter is outside in a world where she is always going to be less safe than her brother.

Also wrapped up in that grief was the grief for so many other young women who have been attacked or killed.

The irony that her murder took place on a stretch of the canal named after another local woman, Fiona Pender, who disappeared and was suspected murdered over two decades ago, was not lost on the local community. Just after the funeral of Ashling Murphy, the Irish President attended the first anniversary mass of Urantsetseg Tserendorj who had been murdered in Dublin the previous year.

This intermingling of public grief and personal loss was felt in Tullamore Presbyterian Church the Sunday after the news of the murder. The service started late as family after family came along to share with me their own connection to Ashling or how her death had retraumatised them after their own losses and pain.

During the service we looked at John 11, the story of the raising of Lazarus.

We looked at how John depicted the differing styles of grief of the two sisters.

Martha comes to Jesus sad that Jesus did not heal him, but with a deep confidence that her brother will rise again on the last day. Mary’s grief appears to have anger deep within it that causes her to break tradition – initially she refuses to go out to meet Jesus as an honoured guest at the funeral. Mary’s “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” carries with it a stronger rebuke to Jesus because it is not followed by Martha’s statement of faith.

We each grieve and mourn in our different ways. Martha’s confident

Zambrero Ireland Ashling Murphy

faith and Mary’s anger are both valid expressions of the emotions that we feel within us at the loss of a loved one. Sometimes when we mourn we move between the various stages of faith, disappointment, anger and pain.

Sometimes we are a bundle of all of these things together.

…our grief is important because it reminds us that evil in this world is senseless and wrong.

While the different forms of grieving of Mary and Martha teach us that it is okay to express our grief in different ways, the weeping of Jesus shows us that even our grief is holy before God. This is important because, whether we live in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland our cultures do not deal well with the idea of grief.

We are expected to be stoic and to ‘grieve well’. Even the amount of time that we are allowed to grieve is remarkably short in our society. If you are not putting your best foot forward within a couple of months of a severe loss then people begin to worry about you. This is all so unnatural and so unhealthy.

There is a huge difference between what Paul means when he tells us not

to grieve like those without hope and those who would simply tell us not to grieve at all. We grieve, we mourn, it is a natural thing. Jesus did it. He wept at the graveside of a friend that only moments later he would raise from the dead.

On that Sunday in Tullamore church, just as in many parts of our community on that day and in the days since, we wept and mourned. We prayed, and we grieved. These things are holy. Jesus did them. Our grief is holy and our grief is important because it reminds us that evil in this world is senseless and wrong. It is not meant to be here. We should never expect it to be normal that women are attacked and killed so regularly.

That grief and that anger points us away from the violence and pain of this world to the kingdom of God and to the prayer that God’s kingdom would come and his will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. We grieve with hope. Not just for ourselves, rising one day to be with Christ, but for this world, that it might be transformed into the kingdom of God through the redeeming work of Christ.

Please pray for our community. The world’s cameras have gone but the grieving continues and will surely be reignited with the impending trial, anniversaries and the ending of the school year. Pray for Ashling’s family, for the murderer and for his own family. Pray for the peace of Tullamore and protection for every woman out today who will be looking over her shoulder a little more and feeling much less safe than in the days before Ashling Murphy’s name became known around the world.

Rev William Hayes is minister of Tullamore Presbyterian Church.

Herald March 2022

17

All the days of my life

Sarah Harding talks to David Thompson about changing demographics in society and a new PCI resource for use in reaching out to an older generation.

T

he demographics of Northern Ireland show that the proportion of older people aged 65 and over will increase by 20% by mid2045 and the number of those in this age bracket will also overtake children aged 0–15 by mid-2027.

These rather startling statistics are a backdrop to a new PCI resource centred on stimulating a conversation about faith with those in later years. David Thompson, Secretary for the Council of Congregational Life and Witness, comments, “We have traditionally worked on the basis that the audience for evangelism, church work and church life is children, young people and families – and that needs to be the case if the church is

18

Herald March 2022

going to go into the future. We need to retain a focus on that. However, because the demographics are shifting, we’ve also got to think about the majority of people that we have a gospel to share with, and they are becoming increasingly older.”

Recognising that older people are rarely the focus for church mission and noting that other resources like Alpha or Christianity Explored are often aimed at a younger demographic, PCI is taking

…the proportion of older people aged 65 and over will…overtake children aged 0–15 by mid-2027.

a tentative first step in helping the local church think again about faith in later life.

“Too often our only view of older people in the church is through the lens of pastoral care, but that’s not the only aspect of engaging well with that generation, which we need to have in our sights,” says David. “It’s not just how can we support and care for this older person. We need to be asking other questions like, ‘How do we help them follow Jesus in this season of life?’ or ‘How do we evangelistically help them connect with Jesus in this season of life?’”

In collaboration with Faith in Later Life (a network of churches and organisations focused on ministry and mission among older people), PCI has produced a short

resource called ‘All the days of my life’.

This little booklet offers a simple outline for a group discussion or one-to-one conversation based on Psalm 23, a familiar portion of Scripture for many people that focuses on Jesus as our Shepherd.

David explains, “There’s an intentionality with this resource – as people use it, they are encouraged to look back over the story of their life and become more aware of times and circumstances in which now, on reflection, they can see that God might have been at work.

“There’s a particular moment and season of life we think this resource fits in. In the busyness of life during earlier years – through being a young adult, then into the middle years of life where people are focused on family and work and all sorts of other responsibilities – God often gets pushed out of the agenda. Now in later years, there’s a chance to say – what about God?” ‘All the days of my life’ could be used in a variety of small-group settings; from a care home to a small group meeting at church; from a PW meeting to a ‘coffee and chat’ outreach gathering.

It is specifically written in an informal style that makes it very easy to facilitate and also very accessible for participants.

Each session begins with a verse from Psalm 23, along with a complementary visual image and opening question to gently begin discussion. The aim is to help people see Jesus as their Good Shepherd.

A closing prayer then offers a way to personally respond. The most important aspect of the resource is to encourage people to reflect.

David comments, “In the modern world, there’s no space for reflection. You’re in front of the TV, or it’s today’s media story or today’s needs that are taking all our attention. All of a sudden, life’s passing you by with no opportunity to think about God. ‘All the days of my life’ creates space and gives shape to the possibility of reflection.”

The resource is designed to be an easy way in to a conversation. It’s not a heavy Bible study, or a course with an academic look and feel. This makes it an ideal evangelistic tool for older church members to use: “We often talk about young people being the best people to reach their generation – likewise with this – older people are probably best placed to reach

That’s exactly what this resource is: it’s evangelism with a pastoral look and feel. out to their friends and run groups.”

Although the majority of work on ‘All the days of my life’ was completed before the pandemic, Covid has certainly shone a spotlight on the issues facing older people, and so it’s especially relevant at this time.

“There’s no doubt that during Covid, one of the things that churches very quickly discovered was the difficulty of connecting with an older generation,” says David. “I think the pandemic has brought out into the open a massive issue with isolation; whether or not people noticed that before, it’s right in our face now.”

However, he also notes that because of Covid, new prospects for connection have been created.

“Whenever pastoral care had to move from home visits to telephone conversations, a number of people were saying, ‘I’d a greater richness of conversation on the telephone with an older person, than I did when I showed up at their house with their church magazine.’

So, it does feel like there’s an opportunity to be more intentional about the kind of conversations that can be evangelistic, but with a very pastoral feel about them too.

That’s exactly what this resource is: it’s evangelism with a pastoral look and feel.”

At this stage of the pandemic there is certainly an increasing desire for in-person contact, and with restrictions slowly lifting, churches are well placed to offer kindness and support.

“There is a huge opportunity for churches,” says David. “To think about: what are the really simple ways we can open up our doors and just be a warm place that people can come and be together. And into that we would want

to put witness to the gospel, but without any hard sell or lengthy Bible study. This six-session resource offers a framework to carry a conversation in which real-life experience can be brought into parallel with what, for some, will be a familiar passage of Scripture.”

With perhaps few churches concentrating on evangelism with those in later life, David notes that congregations will need to make strategic decisions to make this a priority.

“One of the things I expect we will be asking ourselves coming out of the pandemic is: can we do all the things that we did before? And what was fruitful in what we did before and what have we discovered that’s new? We are in a situation, I think, where most of our churches run a bigger programme than they have members to effectively resource. And that’s true for all ages. So this resource might be a useful way to build upon what connection, time and opportunities churches have rather than yet another thing they feel they have to be doing.”

There is a great breadth and variety in Presbyterian churches across Ireland; whether in urban landscape, ethnic diversity, gender balance or age demographic. But as David identifies, there is an important commonality: “None of our churches have more younger people than older people.”

As the changing demographics confirm, this fact will only get more pronounced as we move forward in this century.

Therefore, reaching out to older people could be a significantly fruitful part of every congregation’s witness, as well as inadvertently drawing in younger people too because they will begin to see the difference Jesus has made in the lives of mum, dad, granny or granda.

All the days of my life: ‘All the days of my life’ offers a six-session, light touch, evangelistic tool specifically designed for use with those in later life. Walking participants through Psalm 23, it aims to bring to light an awareness of God’s presence throughout life as those who use it look back, then to gently facilitate a response of faith and trust in the Good Shepherd.

To order copies, please go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/allthedaysofmylife

All the days of my life

Knowing the Lord as our shepherd

Herald March 2022

19

Alan Meban finds out more about Jubliee Farm, Northern Ireland’s first community-owned farm.

F

rom the road, there’s little to distinguish Jubilee Farm from many of its neighbours. It’s perched above the village of Glynn with a view out to the lough.

You’ll pass close by if you’re driving up the Shore Road from Whitehead towards Larne. The fields and fences disguise the fact that Jubilee Farm is anything but ordinary.

It’s Northern Ireland’s first communityowned farm, with 155 members – individuals, organisations, churches from all the main denominations, and even schools – who between them invested over £300,000 to buy the 13-and-a-half acre holding.

They have pigs and goats, and also grow vegetables. But farm manager Jonny Hanson is keen to stress that the farm also has people. It’s set up

20

Herald March 2022

as a Community Benefits Society, a social enterprise that ploughs its profits back into the business. The farm has a small number of staff but relies on

volunteers for both labour-intensive tasks (particularly in the market garden) and more specialist areas (for example, veterinary and maintenance).

Jonny says that the founding of Jubilee Farm grew out of a desire to do something about the Christian mandate to look after this world.

“Leviticus 25, and its description of the Year of Jubilee, is arguably the earliest example of sustainability in human history, because it’s integrating the environmental, the social, the economic, and…the spiritual.”

While Jonny is a generation removed from the farmers in his own family, growing up as the child of the manse in rural County Monaghan, he developed an interest in environmental issues and “the desire to bring faith and nature together, as well as bringing farming and

Photography: Jamie Trimble

Down on the farm: Sowing the seeds of sustainability

nature together… Whether it’s a tomato or a tree, they’re both part of creation, just one is wild and one is domesticated.”

The farm has just turned three. The first year was bumpy, but the second two faced pandemic disruption and the business plan “went up in smoke”. While they sell food directly to the public – mostly meat and vegetables – they also sell services around care and social farming.

Twice a week, adults with learning difficulties and mental health challenges are referred to the farm by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. “They get involved in the full range of tasks – growing vegetables, packing vegetables, feeding pigs, just whatever there is to do in terms of the season – and the benefits are many and varied.”

Why are we importing vegetables from across the world?

Jubilee Farm is also proud to welcome refugees and people seeking asylum to volunteer on the farm. The relationship with the International Meeting Point grew out of a family connection with the Council for Mission in Ireland’s Keith Preston.

“Some of the volunteers are just passing through for a few weeks or months while they get established and get the right to work [obtaining refugee status]. Some have been with us for the full three years.”

And some have been able to use their experience volunteering at the farm to get local references and employment.

Jonny says it’s not just about practical skills. “They improve their English. And they learn about Northern Ireland and its strange customs and even stranger politics!”

While the Covid pandemic disrupted the Trust’s involvement in the care farming programme, it attracted new volunteers who were fed up sitting at home in front of a computer or were furloughed, and welcomed a place where they could do voluntary work that was outside and socially distanced. It allowed Jubilee Farm to stay open and survive.

“It provided a great opportunity for inclusion and integration, with people from down the road and across the world

(l-r) Jonny Hanson, Tim Davies, Janna Lowe and Ruth McClintock

working on a shared task. And you can get a week’s work done in an afternoon when you have 10 or 15 people down on the farm.”

Both the pandemic and Brexit have made consumers pause and consider the complicated supply chains behind supermarket shelves. Jubilee sell directly

to the public, cutting out a lot of the normal processing, distribution and retail effort.

You can buy into the regular pig clubs, paying for the organic feed, bedding, transport and butchery of a native breed pig in the outdoor free-range herd before receiving a ‘quarter pig pork pack’ of chops, joints and sausages. There’s a similar goat club.

Jubilee’s community-supported agriculture practice extends to offering a seasonal subscription to receive a weekly ‘veg box’ between June and December each year. The produce varies with the season – they plant tomatoes, courgettes, beans, potatoes, onions, shallots, cabbages, leeks, peppers, chillies and aubergines – and everyone shares in the risks and the benefits of production and harvesting.

Sheila McNeill is one of the regular volunteers on the farm. Growing some vegetables in her own garden at

Herald March 2022

21

If church groups are interested in a taster tour, there are opportunities for groups, young and old, to come down to Jubilee Farm. And if you bring the good weather with you, it offers fabulous vistas for a picnic.

Reflecting on his time setting up and running the farm, Jonny says it has been a steep learning curve: “The biggest

Jubilee Farm is…proud to welcome refugees and people seeking asylum to volunteer on the farm.

home, Sheila is conscious how far the produce we buy in supermarkets may have travelled. “Why are we importing vegetables from across the world? We need to get back to seasonal vegetables.”

She started volunteering when she was furloughed in April 2020. The Northern Ireland Executive’s Covid-19 regulations allowed people to travel for food

production. “I made weekly trips up to the farm on Tuesdays, later twice weekly.”

“I first heard of Jubilee through Fitzroy Presbyterian. The ethos of the farm resonates with my faith values, it’s so inclusive, working alongside nature, and the environment, and other people. It’s a real privilege to be there…you pleasantly ache after a day at the farm!”

privilege and the biggest challenge of my professional life to date.”

Jonny is handing over to a new farm manager and moving onto a project that will work with 10 early-stage community farming projects across Northern Ireland, offering mentoring, support, and help accessing seed funding. “It’s not so much how do you grow a carrot or a pig. It’s more how do you grow an organisation.”

You can find out more about Jubilee Farm at jubilee.coop

Farminary: a farm-based seminary?

Board member Dr Matt Williams is hoping to establish a theological centre attached to Jubilee Farm. While care for creation is an accepted part of Christian mission, the theologian and educator feels that “churches across all denominations struggle to conceptualise and apply the concept, even amid deepening socio-ecological crises.”

The vision of the ‘farminary’ is to provide training for Christian leaders – those in training as well as those serving, lay and ordained – in partnership with seminaries and theological institutions. It would also mentor innovative community farming projects using church land on the island of Ireland.

Having spent four years as a PCI global mission worker in Malawi, Matt says that “we have a huge amount to learn from community farming projects in Africa. None of these things would have occurred to me without that experience.

“A lot of theological education and Christian teaching has the effect of separating the intellectual from the practical, the mind from the body, evangelism from social action,

22

Herald March 2022

preaching the Word from care of creation, leaders from laypeople. It tends to disintegrate, rather than integrate the body of Christ and its work.

“Why not spend three hours in the morning studying the Bible, and then go out and repair a fence and feed some pigs? Doing these things in tandem means we won’t read Scripture in isolation, in dusty studies where we miss some things and overemphasise others.”

With some congregations merging or closing, and some manses no longer in use, there are opportunities to value the land, not just in pure economic terms, but in ways that would serve the community and care for our world. “Why just sell it for the most money to do our mission elsewhere, when we could directly use it for mission?”

The farminary would help groups set up their own projects, with nuts and bolts help to get them started, and support them through the process of seeing what Christ can do with his people and some land.

MARCH 2022

Mission Connect

A particular privilege

Never alone from God’s promises Rev Philip Poots

Mission news from workers around Ireland and the world.

Returning to the ‘foreground’ Rev Graeme Orr Finding alternatives Philip Whelton God’s incredible provision Derek and Jane French A particular privilege Rev Simon Hamilton

Every aspect of our Church’s mission depends to some extent on United Appeal. Hundreds of projects and programmes at home and overseas are helping to advance God’s kingdom, showing God’s love in action to hundreds of thousands of people.

Opportunities and uncertainties Peter and Jayne Fleming

Including March prayer diary

Never alone from God’s promises

Rev Philip Poots

Greenbank, Moville, Carndonagh and Malin

T

hey say moving house is one of the most stressful times in I’ve never been more alone in my life and yet I’ve never been more your life, add on to that moving county, country, and church, reassured that I am never alone. That hasn’t only come from God’s and organising that during a pandemic and stress might presence by his promises and purpose, I’ve found it in his people. certainly be part of your life.

The people in Inishowen have been so kind and I can give them At the start of 2021 I felt some of that stress as my immediate the greatest compliment I know, I feel at home. family and my old boss made our way over the Glenshane Pass The Inishowen Four have challenges ahead and we feel the for my ordination, induction impact of Covid-19 more and installation to the fourthan most. When one The Inishowen Four have challenges ahead… keenly point charge of Greenbank, or two families have to isolate Moville, Carndonagh and but I’ve had some wonderful gleanings of hope over a Sunday, our fellowships Malin. That night marked the miss them, and our young which I pray will continue and grow. end of many comfortable people are fewer and have things and the beginning of grown distant, but I’ve had some challenges. There I was, now responsible for leading four some wonderful gleanings of hope which I pray will continue and small congregations and leading them through a pandemic! How grow. do you do that? How do you do that with limited technology Right now, we are working our way through Philippians, thinking (Donegal WiFi strength is variable!)? How do you get to know about how we can find gospel joy in this broken fallen world and people and build relationships when you can’t visit them? How I keep coming back to 1:6 as a source of hope for me: “And I am do you make plans and try to move forward when tomorrow’s sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to uncertainties have been amplified? There were, and still are, so completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” What God has started, he many questions about the ‘how’, never mind the ‘what’. will finish, I am part of his work and I am a work in progress, but I’m not alone though. There isn’t a minister who hasn’t felt what I the work is his and he will faithfully do it. felt then and continue to feel now. We’ve all had to move from the comfortable to the challenging and yet, wherever the future has Please pray: taken us, we still find that God is good and gracious. I’ve moved • Pray that in the year ahead Philip gets the opportunity to build to Donegal on my own in the isolation of a pandemic, but found relationships with his congregations. a fresh sense of never being alone from God’s promises: “He will • Pray that discipleship is constantly the focus for the four not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:8/Hebrews 13:5) congregations as they move forward. and his purpose, “your labour is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Mission Connect | Herald March 2022

Returning to the ‘foreground’

Rev Graeme Orr

Chaplain in Ulster University – Magee campus

A

fter a year in the ‘background’ it is a delight to be back two, explaining that she had given her own copy to a friend and serving students again in the ‘foreground’ from last loved to read God’s Word!

September. With the help of an intern from Exodus Youth Another encouragement is from God’s working in the heart Ministries, we simply offer free tea, coffee and Christian literature of a post-graduate student from the Middle East, who before to passing students in a busy arrival had discounted Islam. I location of the main teaching originally met and introduced …it is amazing what the Lord is doing in block at Magee. her to Jesus over three years This occurs every Thursday ago on her arrival to Magee the lives of some students that we have met morning during term time. and had kept in contact with Students always like freebies her and prayed much for God’s and shared the gospel with. and it is amazing what the Lord working in her heart and life. has been doing in the lives of Before Christmas she rang some students that we have met and shared the gospel with. seeking help with her accommodation. Through this I had the joy On my first morning back, I was praying and seeking the Lord of further sharing the gospel of Christ both in word and deed and for his leading as we sought to re-establish a face-to-face ministry. sense that she is ‘near the kingdom.’

Before I had reached the length of my office, a young man ‘Darren’ shouted over to me and asked, “Are you a priest? I need help!” I explained I was not a priest and invited him for a chat. As he sat with me, he poured out his heart over many struggles he was facing; it was a great privilege to be able to share Christ as the Please pray: Saviour of sinners, read God’s Word and to pray with ‘Darren’.

• Continue to pray for these students and others that we meet on Something of the burden he was carrying lifted and he left with a a weekly basis.

Gospel of John in his hand and hope in his heart.

• Pray for ‘divine appointments!’ Pray that some might be saved We meet many students from various backgrounds and a and Christian students shall be encouraged to evidence a number of internationals. ‘Cindy’ from Asia stands out. When she regular Christian outreach in the heart of the university. saw we were offering free Bibles she wept for joy and asked for

Mission Connect | Herald March 2022

Finding alternatives Philip Whelton

Irish Mission Worker in Arklow

T

he last couple of years has definitely seen us adapt our The weekly Coffee Dock (similar to a parent and toddler situation in Arklow to the many Covid restrictions. It has morning) was able to continue from October with limited families also presented us with various ways to be a light for Christ being able to attend, and this has been an important way in and to keep in contact with families in the community. During the keeping up with families. months after most people got ‘Zoomed’ out, we found alternative The weekly Bible study at church has been ‘live’ since September. ways to keep in contact with many parents and families.

There is a core group from the church and community who look These included going for forward to being together as walks near the seafront where we study God’s Word each We feel that children, in particular, have felt the week. there is a duck pond and an exercise-equipment area.

We are praying we will be negative effects of the many restrictions over these able Families soon learned that we to start back some form of would be available in that area regular clubs, both Wednesday past two years, and we would like to provide a and would wait there or join Bible club and Friday club, positive, biblical input into children’s and young in early March. We feel that us there for a chat or to discuss situations they were facing. children, in particular, have people’s weekly lives.

Throughout this time of felt the negative effects of the lockdowns or restrictions, we many restrictions over these would keep in touch with families via text, email or Facebook. In past two years, and we would like to provide a positive, biblical the last few months, we were able to meet in places like Tesco or input into children’s and young people’s weekly lives. There is a coffee shops. It has been difficult to maintain opportunities for keen desire from the children and parents to be back as soon as regular ministry. we can. It is a testimony to God’s grace and goodness.

We were able, however, to have a Christmas special for We appreciate your prayers for us during these unusual times.

Wednesday club and for the Friday night youth club before Christmas. These were one-time events and those attending had to pre-book, so we were able to run them as safely as possible. All Please pray: types of clubs here haven’t been allowed to run on a regular basis • Pray for strength and wisdom for Philip and the Arklow for nearly two years. Needless to say, everyone was so excited to congregation. get to come to these club specials. They were well attended, and • Pray that all their church clubs and groups will be able to restart parents and children alike were so appreciative, thanking us for soon. hosting the events.

Mission Connect | Herald March 2022

God’s incredible provision Derek and Jane French Global mission workers in Spain

W

e would like to take this opportunity to highlight the • Publications for Andamio Kids – this is a more recent important and growing work of Andamio. Andamio development of the publishing house and since September (established in 1987) is the publishing branch of GBU 2019 and throughout the pandemic, the PCI Youth and (Grupos Bíblicos Unidos – affiliated with IFES) and produces Children’s Project has focused on raising funds for Andamio literature and resources to equip Spanish-speaking Christians as Kids. In the English-speaking world we are blessed with an they seek to grow in faith and abundance of great resources, share the gospel with their much so, that at times it is Andamio Kids seeks to produce literature and so communities. The publishing hard to know where to begin house prints books that are resources... It is exciting to be a part of that and in selecting books/materials written by Spanish speakers for children and ministries together with support from PCI’s Youth and and also carefully selects in the church. Andamio Kids resources to translate from seeks to produce literature and Children’s project, it is a wonderful venture.

English into Spanish. The resources for children, young process of the latter includes people, parents, families and researching which books to translate and then seeking licensing also for children and youth ministries in churches. It is exciting to rights, finding good translators (who also have a theological be a part of that and together with support from PCI’s Youth and background), and then also book layout, printing and sometimes Children’s Project, it is a wonderful venture. They have published also the cover design. books such as: Loved by Sally Lloyd-Jones, A Jesus Christmas by A month before the pandemic hit, the publishing house suffered Barbara Reaoch and Never Too Little! by Steph Williams. from a fire which destroyed almost all the stock, office space and equipment. However, during that time and throughout the pandemic Andamio has held on tightly to the words of Nehemiah 2:20 “…We are servants of the God who rules from heaven, and he will make our work succeed. So we will start rebuilding…”

In 2020 despite over 60% decrease in sales, they have witnessed incredible provision from God. New projects have been developed Please pray: during this time, for example: • Pray for Andamio and the vital work of publishing helpful • A New Freedom by Mike Snowdon – a book for late teens, aiming resources for the Spanish-speaking world. to help them integrate the Bible into their everyday lives.

• Pray for families, children and youth workers as they make use • ‘Transform your Work’ – a small-group resource for graduates of these invaluable resources from Andamio Kids, to help them and church groups, to help them view their vocation as their grow in their faith and share Christ with others. mission field.

Mission Connect | Herald March 2022

A particular privilege

Rev Simon Hamilton Naval chaplain

L

ast autumn I undertook my first deployment as a Royal Navy by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar – the Lord chaplain as part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group. I spent Almighty is his name.” My deployment at sea involved lots of warm three weeks on board a spacious refuelling ship and eight sunshine during the day and magnificent clear night skies, all of weeks on a more compact warship. My deployment commenced which were splendid reminders of God’s great glory. in Guam in the Pacific Ocean and finished in Plymouth. When At present I am based at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde in the sun is shining and the sea is calm there is little in life that western Scotland, which is one of three operating naval bases in is more beautiful and peaceful than the open seas, but the Great Britain. HMNB Clyde is home to the submarine service which opposite is very much true has the task of maintaining in rough conditions. Living the UK’s Continuous At Sea As a naval chaplain I hold the rank of the amongst people in a confined Deterrent. I am part of a team environment provided unique of five naval chaplains. Our person I am speaking to. I found that to be opportunities for ministry. ministry is focused on the Royal It was an honour to facilitate Navy, Royal Marines, civilian very helpful when it came to interacting Lord’s Day services of personnel and their loved with all the sailors and officers. worship, which are a crown ones who are part of the base requirement for when Her community.

Majesty’s ships are at sea, and I wish to express my gratitude it was a particular privilege to lead all of the ship’s company for a for the oversight that is exercised by the Armed Forces panel of Remembrance Day service on the flight deck. As a naval chaplain our Church and to many who showed a prayerful interest in my I hold the rank of the person I am speaking to. I found that to be deployment. very helpful when it came to interacting with all the sailors and officers.

There were obviously many wonderful memories of my deployment, but I reckon that my most precious memories Please pray: involved leading services of remembrance at the Commonwealth • Pray that Simon would make good connections with those he War Graves cemetery in Karachi in Pakistan and for all the ship’s interacts with, that would point people to the beauty of the Lord company of HMS Richmond on their flight deck.

Jesus Christ and his glorious gospel of grace.

A verse that I read often throughout my deployment was • Pray too for the health and safety of all our forces personnel and Jeremiah 31:35: “This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the chaplains serving around the world. sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine

Mission Connect | Herald March 2022

Opportunities and uncertainties

Peter and Jayne Fleming Global mission workers in Nepal

W

e arrived safely on 30 December. We left Belfast City secondary. She is supporting children with reading, spelling and Airport and in just over 16 hours were in Nepal. It was writing. She has also been helping supervise the staff children with lovely to be welcomed back by our landlord and his their learning. family. Friends had left us food in advance while we spent the first Peter is working online from our flat, which is easier now he is in seven days self-quarantining. Praise God for the warm welcome the same time zone as colleagues. The major issue is that a work on return, and the sense of being in the right place for now. It has visa has not yet been granted. Practically this means he cannot been wonderful to catch up with people and it felt as if we had spend much time at UMN headquarters, although he enjoyed never been away. But time a brief visit to meet up with stops for no one, and there friends again. He continues Give thanks that regardless of Covid-19 are many changes. Colleagues to help prepare projects we had worked with are no for funding and has been infection, we are aware of God’s longer here and there are new engaged in discussions about people in both Kathmandu how work will develop in protection and provision.

Study Centre (KISC) and United UMN in the foreseeable future.

Mission to Nepal (UMN).

The wheels of government Walking about the streets, Covid-19 restrictions here are not bureaucracy continue to move slowly and project agreements really evident. Interestingly because of pollution, Nepali people with UMN remain unsigned. wear their masks outdoors and then take them off indoors! Not Dhana Lama, UMN’s new executive director, is wrestling with everyone rushes to get tested as they don’t want to isolate, but it is huge strategic decisions. There are many potential opportunities obvious that there is a very rapid spread throughout the country. for Peter to engage in teaching future leaders in some colleges, Along with many of our colleagues, we have been infected and and further develop ongoing relationships with influential Nepali had to isolate for 10 days at the end of January. Government leaders. For now, these are not yet happening due in part to the restrictions currently prohibit any gathering of more than 25, pandemic and more importantly to uncertainties about working so churches for example, are unable to meet. Give thanks that visas. regardless of Covid-19 infection, we are aware of God’s protection and provision. Pray that there will be no drawn out after-effects of Covid-19 and our general health will be protected.

Please pray: On the first day back to school at KISC the government • Pray that Dhana Lama and her leadership team will be guided announced that all schools were to close for four weeks! So now wisely. it is back to online teaching. Staff can choose to teach from home • Pray that the work of UMN and KISC will be enlarged. or on-site. Staff children are supervised on school premises so that • Pray that guidance will come clearly about future opportunities staff are free to teach without distractions. Jayne is now part of and work. the student support team helping children in primary and lower

Mission Connect | Herald March 2022

MARCH 2022

Please pray for... n AFGHANISTAN – Pray for the people of Afghanistan, especially those struggling to afford enough food and other basic necessities. Pray too for protection for the minority Christian community, that they will know the Lord is with them in such difficult times.

n DEACONESS – Pray for Eleanor Drysdale as she serves in Wellington (Ballymena), that God will use her ministry to touch the hearts of the members of the congregation, both young and old. n CARE STAFF – Staffing is one of the most important factors in the delivery of highquality care. Pray that vacant posts in our Older People Services’ homes will be filled with suitable committed staff.

n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Pray for Leslie and Mabel Brush serving in Tartaraghan, Co Armagh. Pray for wisdom and love as they communicate the gospel and connect with local people in various ways.

n PORTUGAL – Pray for Chris and Rachel Humphries, serving with the n HOME church planting MISSION – Pray for team in Senhora da Rev Jean Mackarel Hora. Give thanks and the congregations for a time of rest and of Drumkeeran, refreshment whilst Killeshandra, Cavan they were on a short and Bellasis in home assignment Chris and Rachel Humphries Monaghan Presbytery, earlier this year. as they continue to meet together for Remember the ongoing work and witness of worship. the Comunidade Pedras Vivas church plant in Porto. n LATVIA – Pray for the ongoing work and witness of the Evangelical Reformed Church n HOME MISSION – Pray for the members of Latvia and Baltic Reformed Theological of Carndonagh, Greenbank, Malin and Seminary. Pray that God will build up his Moville as they continue to navigate the church in the Baltic region for his glory. pandemic, prioritising discipleship in church life. Pray too for their minister, Rev Philip n CHAPLAINS – Pray for God’s guidance and Poots. protection for PCI’s chaplains serving with the armed forces as they provide pastoral n DEACONESS – Pray for Joanne Dunlop, care and seek opportunities to lead people serving in the chaplaincy at Craigavon and to Christ.

Antrim Area hospitals. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide Joanne as she provides n HOME MISSION – Pray for God’s pastoral care. blessing on the congregations of Bray and Blackrock in Co Dublin. Pray for wisdom and n HOME MISSION – Pray for Carrigart encouragement for Rev Andrew Gill, the kirk and Dunfanaghy session and all in leadership positions. congregations in north Co Donegal which are n KENYA – Pray for Stephen and Angelina vacant at present. Pray Cowan as they continue to serve in Tuum for the kirk sessions in northern Kenya. Pray for those who and members as they advise and educate on the need for change seek God’s guidance. in lifestyle and attitude in an increasingly Pray too for Rev fragmented desert land.

Brian Brown, vacancy convener. n CHAPLAINS – Pray for Rev Dave Gray and his colleagues as they continue to provide pastoral care and support to students at Queen’s University Belfast and Stranmillis College.

n HOME MISSION – Pray for members of the congregations of Cahir (Co Tipperary) and Fermoy (Co Cork) as they engage in outreach ministries. Pray in particular for the continued efforts to reach out to young people. n SOUTH SUDAN – Pray for peace, justice, political stability and food security for all the people of South Sudan. Pray for the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, especially for reconciliation within its leadership.

Heidi England n TAKING CARE – Give thanks for Taking Care training that seeks to ensure best practice and standards of excellence within our congregations. Remember the work of Taking Care staff as they deal with sensitive subjects and questions, and the dedication of Jacqui Montgomery Devlin, head of safeguarding, as she provides advice.

n PAKISTAN – Pray for the work and witness of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan.

Pray for Christians in the country who are suffering persecution to remain steadfast in their faith and also for the fair treatment and protection of all minority communities. Pray too for the Covid-19 situation in the country.

n CHAPLAINS – Pray for Rev Kenny Hanna, PCI’s first rural chaplain. Give thanks for a warm welcome at local churches, livestock markets, agri-businesses, farm support organisations, and amongst farmers and farming families. Pray for pastoral and gospel opportunities. n HOME MISSION – Pray for the congregations of First Bailieborough, Trinity Bailieborough, Corraneary and Ervey, that they will know God’s presence as they meet together each Sunday and that God will guide them in all they do. n BRAZIL – Pray for the leaders and members of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil. Pray especially for all their efforts to reach out with God’s love and care to those living in deprived areas. n CARLISLE HOUSE – This is a residential substance misuse treatment centre, offering a range of services. Please pray for the staff of Carlisle House. Give thanks for their commitment and professional skills. n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Give thanks for the growing Christian community in Balbriggan and pray for wisdom and guidance for Josh McCance as he continues to serve there. n HOME MISSION – Pray for the life and witness of Cootehill, Drum and Kilmount home mission congregations in Co Cavan and for Rev Daryl Edwards, the kirk sessions and members of the congregations. n THOMPSON HOUSE – Give thanks for the work and witness of Thompson House, our supported housing scheme for offenders. n DEACONESS – Pray for Heidi England as she continues to serve in the congregation of Railway Street, Lisburn, providing pastoral care and promoting discipleship, especially among the women of the congregation. n NEPAL – Pray for God’s blessing and guidance for Peter Fleming in his work in integral development with the United Mission to Nepal, and Jayne Fleming as she teaches at Kathmandu International Study Centre. n CHURCH PLANTING – Pray for the preparations for PCI’s church planting conference on Saturday 7 May in Dundalk.

Pray that many people will sign up to attend.

www.presbyterianireland.org/prayer

REFLECTIONS

Repainting

Ruth Sanderson

I

’m currently hiding in the spare room writing this. I say up – determined to finish at some point. You guessed it, six ‘hiding’, I’m getting out of the way of the painter who has months later and half the room is still stubbornly adorned with come round to sort our decor out. There is also someone in embossed wallpaper. the front room putting down a new floor. It’s all happening!

The painter duly came back. At this point he’s here more than Last year we moved into a new house – it’s great and we we are. love it. ‘New’ is a misnomer, it was built in the mid 70s, on “This wall is very wobbly,” he said earlier this week, pushing the site of an old tenement building erected sometime in the the bedroom wall back and forth like a trampoline. To be fair, 1700s. That’s long gone though, apart from the footprint of an even I know that walls shouldn’t move that much. A quick outhouse which I imagine was probably a washhouse, and an hacksaw though discovered incredibly flimsy plasterboard old Anderson shelter from WW2 which is firmly concreted in (“They don’t even make this kind of plasterboard anymore!”) to the bottom of the garden and is currently housing a broken leading to an ancient outside wall with no insulation. So sun umbrella (can’t help thinking of the irony), three slates and down came the wall, in went the insulation and up went the a bag of lime. plasterboard, and plaster.

The late owners, who built the house in the 1970s, lived here However, before the final nails were placed to secure our now until shortly before we moved in. They non-wobbly wall, I wrote a little letter to obviously loved the place, raised three hide away amongst the insulation, in case …our lives are often like someone comes across it in 70 years’ time. children and took really good care of it.

You can see the pride they must have taken old houses.

I addressed it: ‘To whom it may concern, in the house which they built, literally by a message from the past’ – that should hand, brick by brick. freak them out! I just told them a little However, every single wall is covered in thick, embossed bit about us and hoped that they were having a good time in wallpaper. We think this body of work may have happened in whatever year they discovered the note. I told them how much the 80s, as the stripes, swirls and patterns give off a distinctly we loved the house and pointed out that they may very well be classic Laura Ashley feel. No wall has been left plain, and each the beneficiaries of our new insulation! wall has a different paper. It’s quite something.

It made me feel a little emotional when I saw the letter “It’s just a paint job,” we said to each other when we bought disappear behind the final boards; we had become part of its the house. “How hard can it be?!” intrinsic history, years from now someone might be correcting Famous last words. the things we are trying to fix.

For anyone who has ever uttered the words, “All we have to do I realised that our lives are often like old houses. On the is redecorate,” this is a familiar folly. Anyhow, to avoid a lifetime outside everything might seem okay, if a little dated. But start of migraines, we were determined to strip it all back and paint stripping back the layers and we are products of a lifetime of it white. Simple, classic… and most importantly – cheap! Also, repairs, rebuilds and reboots. Remove the plasterboard and so I’m currently in my third trimester with baby number two and I many unseen, broken, ageing, redundant things lurk beneath the think I’m nesting. How else could I explain the current driving surface. Sometimes we don’t even realise this ourselves – it often force behind the domestic blitzkrieg in which we now live? takes something significant to happen for us to strip away our Of course, we thought we could do the bulk of it on our own. emotional wallpaper and see the cracks which lie underneath.

My husband’s parents came for a week and stripped the front Isn’t it amazing that God sees all of that? He sees straight room. My father and I spent the guts of a week painting it, through the dodgy paint jobs, the creaking pipes, the bare stone only to discover the fireplace was made of asbestos and had to walls. He sees our faults and foibles, and with his help we start be removed… taking half the wall with it. Which then led to a to heal and repair. He rebuilds and replasters and repaints. massive plaster job and another paint job.

I can hear the floorer bashing away downstairs; he has just With uncharacteristic zeal I attacked the back room with a carried a mallet in from his work van and I don’t know whether steamer and stripped half of the paper off. Only to leave a sticky, I should be alarmed by this. But with each thump, I feel gritty adhesive which needed scrubbed and sanded back. Bits reassured that the work is continuing and the slow progress of of plasterwork started to come away from around the skirting renewal is, at least, in progress. board, and after a few nights of hacking away at the walls I gave

Herald March 2022

31

“A

Every nation, tribe & people Ruth Garvey-Williams explores racism and inclusion in PCI.

fter this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb… And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’”

(Revelation 7:9–10) Three years ago, I was at a meeting of Presbyterian church leaders discussing the challenges faced by multi-ethnic congregations. Some shared the trauma and pain their church members had experienced. Others talked of the difficulties of helping newcomers to integrate into church life. Still others wondered how Christians from other ethnicities could contribute in meaningful ways.

“Could we do some research to find out more?” one leader asked.

Sitting next to me was Damian Jackson from the Irish Council of Churches. We

32

Herald March 2022

formed a partnership to carry out this research, not just for PCI but across all Christian denominations in Ireland. We wanted to deepen our understanding of the experience of, and attitudes towards, racism and discrimination in churches.

We wanted to explore the potential for unity, integration and inclusion and to examine how the church can lead the way in tackling racial injustice where it occurs.

Damian said, “We believe that every person is a bearer of God’s image and that part of our calling to love our neighbour requires us to have concern for barriers to belonging and flourishing in our churches. We need to respond to racism, discrimination and exclusion in Ireland, and in order to do that effectively

52% of Presbyterians have never heard a sermon on this topic.

and with authenticity, we need to begin by looking at ourselves.”

VOX magazine and the Irish Council of Churches launched an all-island survey in 2021 with support from PCI, the Evangelical Alliances of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and Tearfund Ireland.

The survey collected over 1,000 responses from a wide spectrum of denominations.

In this special report for the Presbyterian Herald, we look at the 245 responses from people who described themselves as Presbyterian. Of these, 51% were living in Northern Ireland, 38.5% in Dublin or other parts of Leinster, 1.5% in Munster and 9% in Connacht or the border counties of Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal. The majority were over 50 years of age (58%) with 31% aged between 35 and 50 and 11% aged between 18 and 35.

92% of Presbyterian respondents described themselves as committed Christians, with 70.5% “active and fully using my gifts” and 20% “active but not fully using my gifts”.

Headline findings The research shows there is overwhelming support amongst committed members of Presbyterian churches for intentional engagement in this topic. Significantly 92% think it is important for Presbyterian churches to engage in conversations about race and racism and 80% strongly agree or agree, “Racism and discrimination are real problems in Ireland and Northern Ireland.”

One important theme was the need to engage biblically with the issues.

Presbyterians expressed a strong desire to see what the Bible has to say about racism and to follow biblical principles of unity and justice. However, 52% of Presbyterians have never heard a sermon on this topic.

One way in which Presbyterian responses differed from those of other denominations was a small but vocal minority (1–2%) who expressed the opinion that the church should not be involved in any work relating to racial justice.

Experiences of people from ethnic minorities An important focus of the research was on listening to the experiences of ethnic minorities. Only 30 out

92%

think it is important for Presbyterian churches to engage in conversations about race and racism.

of 245 Presbyterians responded to questions specifically directed to ethnic minorities. While a small sampling and not representative, it was encouraging to see that most of these people have not experienced racism (79%) or discrimination (67%) in church.

However, one in five had experienced occasional incidents of racism and one third had experienced occasional instances of discrimination in the church. Almost half of respondents had experienced micro-aggressions, either occasionally or regularly, and a third had heard ‘jokes’ about their ethnicity or

We are blind to our own world view, but it is the lens through which we interpret others.

culture. Stories and examples reveal a range of difficult experiences alongside a few more positive examples of welcome and inclusion. “[I am] delighted to be part of a multi-ethnic congregation. The different races/ethnicities have so enriched our fellowship. When the church began to grow with many from African cultures, the leadership set up a meeting to discover what we were doing badly or inadequately so that peoples from different backgrounds would be welcomed and affirmed in our community.”

“Being Black in Northern Ireland is traumatic. On a daily basis, racist acts such as name-calling, people waving banana skins from cars, people crossing the road to avoid you, are common experiences. The five Black young adult men I know are reluctant to leave their homes and struggle to stay in (all-white) workplaces.”

“I have lived and worked in NI and have experienced the problem there firsthand.”

More work is needed to capture a greater spectrum of feedback to more accurately reflect the experience of people from ethnic minority backgrounds in Presbyterian churches.

33

96%

of all Presbyterian respondents strongly agree or agree that churches are enriched by ethnic diversity.

Attitudes The survey explored the attitude of the white majority congregants. 191 Presbyterians engaged with this question.

While this gives a strong indication of the attitudes among Presbyterians, there were proportionately more responses from the more ethnically diverse churches in ROI (82) than from those in Northern Ireland (109).

A significant majority value diversity as a gift in their church, and believe people from ethnic minorities should be included fully in church life: • 96% of all Presbyterian respondents strongly agree or agree that churches are enriched by ethnic diversity.

• 82% of Presbyterians from the (white) majority ethnic community strongly agree or agree, “members from ethnic minorities add vibrancy to the worship in my church.”

• 82% of Presbyterians from the (white) ethnic majority strongly agree or agree that “the leadership of a church should reflect the ethnic diversity of its congregation.”

While there was strong support for leadership diversity, this statement also prompted concerns about tokenism and questions as to why more ethnic minorities do not come forward for leadership. Dozens of thoughtful comments, examples and suggestions illuminate the findings.

“I think our congregations could/ should do more about welcoming and supporting immigrants/refugees/ asylum seekers.”

“We are blind to our own world view, but it is the lens through which we interpret others.”

“We have had several people of African ancestry visit our church but none have stayed. We fear difference and diversity and want to assimilate it, rather than welcoming it as a means of enriching faith... We never get quotes from Black theologians, all our theology is white and this is seen as

34

Herald March 2022

We never get quotes from Black theologians, all our theology is white and this is seen as normal… normal. We tend to use images which suggest all Bible characters were white.”

“Racism isn’t an issue in our church.”

“I personally have visited the International Meeting Point in Belfast… and it really did help me to see the scale of the need for folk from other ethnic groups and encouraged us to do other things to help. The work of the people there is immense and a fantastic outreach. This helped me to see this problem in a different light and removed some blind spots I might even have had.”

“We need to hear more of what the Bible teaches on racial inclusivity. We have spent so much time, for example, talking about Adam and Eve in terms of evolution or sexuality, that we often forget the utterly radical lesson that their creation teaches us about race.

We are all descended from the same forebears. We are all the one race.

Comparing the ethnic make-up of the area in which our church operates to the ethnic mix (or lack of ) in our congregation could also be helpful. A more controversial measure might also be to turn away from the dependence/ fixation that many churches and church leaders have with the USA. A greater, more international, diversity of role models, mission partners and conference/training speakers would help us to appreciate more the gifts that God has given the world church and not just one, very white dominated nation.”

Strong reactions A few questions provoked stronger reactions, particularly when the systemic and structural nature of racism was explored.

8% of Presbyterian participants strongly disagree or disagree that “Racism and discrimination are real problems in Ireland/Northern Ireland.”

(This compares to 7% of all 1059 survey respondents.)

8%

of Presbyterian participants strongly disagree or disagree that “Racism and discrimination are real problems in Ireland/ Northern Ireland.”

62% strongly agree or agree, “White privilege makes life so much easier for white people in Ireland/Northern Ireland” and that therefore life is harder if you are not white. This is surprising because there is a common misconception that white privilege can’t be real because many white people have significant struggles. The term ‘white privilege’ simply means that if you are white, your skin colour does not contribute to your disadvantage.

Many respondents seemed to have a clear understanding of this distinction.

However, 22% disagree or strongly disagree with the statement.

The responses about ‘Black Lives Matter’ were polarised. One third (32%) of Presbyterians from the majority ethnic community strongly agree or agree with the statement “the Black Lives Matter movement has gone too far” with many pointing to the BLM organisation in America as reason for shunning the movement. Just over one third (38%) disagree or strongly disagree and the remaining 29% respondents describe themselves as “unsure”.

Comments ranged from strong categorical rejections of BLM to more nuanced questioning of the links between a protest movement and the BLM organisation.

“BLM is not simply about racial equality and justice. Its political standpoint, and attempt to rewrite history, is one I could not support, but [I] totally agree with a desire to end racism today.”

“BLM is openly Marxist and holds a variety of views that are wholly incompatible with the Christian faith.

It incites violence and stokes racial division. The church has nothing to learn from the poison of Critical Race Theory.”

Final comments Three open questions provoked a strong and largely positive response from Presbyterians.

1. How can we make the church more inclusive?

Over 50% responded and the top five themes by frequency mentioned were: • Welcome/openness (15%) – “Make people welcome no matter who they are. Sometimes it is fear of the unknown that leads to racism.”

• Inclusion (13%) –

“The gospel makes us more inclusive. If a church is not inclusive it is not gospel based.”

• Leadership diversity/involvement (11%) –

“By having different ethnicities part of the leadership teams. By not expecting those who are different from us to become like us, but rather we should be willing to set aside our rights and privileges to incorporate aspects of others’ cultures and liturgies.”

• Be Christ-like/focus [only] on the gospel and gospel preaching (10.5%) – “If churches are Christian and treat everyone with respect then nothing needs to change, we should already be inclusive.”

• Bible teaching on the issue (7%) –

“Preach about it, people need to realise this is an issue that everyone has a part to engage in even if there is no ethnic community in their church.”

2. How can churches in Ireland/NI tackle racial injustice?

Most comments in this section fit into two major themes: • Talk about it/speak out (28%) –

62%

strongly agree or agree, “White privilege makes life so much easier for white people in Ireland/Northern Ireland”.

“We need to speak out on these issues clearly and nationally. Too often the church nationally is seen as only caring about the ethics of the bedroom or the classroom.

Internally we need to take on the growth within churches of the early seeds of white nationalism and the disturbing use of right-wing media by church leaders… I am horrified by how many of our clergy share racist or dog whistle material by papers such as the Daily Mail, Belfast Newsletter or even Breitbart or other far right media on social media. The radical individualism of the present age allows us to say, ‘I’m not personally racist, so everything is fine, and I’m not responsible for whatever privileges I might have accrued in a racist society.’”

• Lead by example (11%) –

“The church must show diversity and oneness of the body of Christ first, irrespective of ethnicity or status or privileges, before she can do the talk about racial injustice in the wider society.”

3. Dreams and longings Over half of Presbyterian (53%) respondents answered the question “What do you long to see happen in your church?” Five main themes emerged – • Unity in diversity/one in Christ (19%): Many expressed a desire to see unity in diversity with many quoting directly from Revelation 7:9 and others referenced Galatians 3:22 and Acts 2.

• • • •

“All colours and races worshipping together. That’s the biblical dream and we need to make it happen as much as we can before it is going to gloriously happen!”

A welcoming church (10.5%) An inclusive church (10%) Leadership diversity (7.5%) We are doing fine/no racism in my church (4.5%)

Closing remarks There is still much work to do to progress from welcome to inclusion, but we can be encouraged that, despite vocal objections from a small minority, the overwhelming majority of committed Christians in the Presbyterian Church are supportive of this work and recognise our responsibility to foster and model a counter-cultural community of grace in which all can flourish.

One important role for Christian leaders will be to understand and address the key touch points, especially where controversy has been imported from other parts of the world. Introducing these topics into sermons and Bible teaching will be a key area for growth for the Presbyterian Church, especially as society becomes more diverse.

However, perhaps the most important next step is a more intentional listening exercise to unpack the experiences of ethnic minorities that were not adequately captured in this research.

Ruth Garvey-Williams is a journalist, author and researcher who has served in Christian ministry for over 30 years.

As VOX magazine editor, she travels extensively, sharing what God is doing in Ireland.

Herald March 2022

35

An immersive reading experience

Richard McChesney highlights a new way to read the Bible.

“O

h, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do” (Psalm 1:1–3).

Be honest. Does this well-known first psalm reflect your personal experience of daily Bible reading, or possibly even your church or home group Bible study? While we all acknowledge the importance of regular reading, there are certainly times and perhaps even seasons when our experience falls well short of the psalmist’s eulogising of Scripture meditation.

Many reasons can be given to explain away our dissatisfaction and lack of true engagement in our reading. From time paucity to fatigue, from the gym to work commitments and maybe even from Sky TV to Netflix, there’s a myriad of competing ‘time-stealers’ that impact on our daily reading of Scripture. Inevitably, many of us simply end up ‘snacking’ on the Bible, fooling ourselves with the notion that we can survive and get by

36

Herald March 2022

with a random verse or a chapter here and there, along with a few paragraphs of explanation in daily devotional notes.

According to the Institute for Bible Reading (IFBR), the very Bible we read may well, at times, contribute to our problem with meaningful engagement.

The relatively recent additions of chapters in the 13th century, and verses in the 16th century, along with copious cross references, side notes, columns and footnotes, all contribute to a disjointed and often frustrating reading experience.

This disruption of the natural flow of the narrative results in quite a different reading experience than was intended in the original text. This was one of the main issues identified by the IFBR, and the problem they set out to address.

Their research showed that while Bible production was growing year on year, Bible engagement was correspondingly decreasing year on year. The result of their research led them to develop ‘Immerse’ – a Bible in a style and format to be read more like a book, with chapters and verses removed, books grouped in their

…a Bible in a style and format to be read more like a book...

main literary genres and arranged in chronological sequence.

Immerse restores the Bible’s text to its natural literary form: stories look like stories, songs look like songs, and poetry looks like poetry. Rather than traditional chapters and verses, each book is formatted based on the natural literary structures the authors incorporated when the books were first composed.

Essentially, Immerse is Scripture as it was originally penned, with nothing added, nothing taken away and without the sometimes unnatural interruptions of chapters and verses. Using the highly respected New Living Translation (NLT) it lends itself to a deeper, more immersive reading experience.

Immerse is about reading ‘big’, rather than in fragments, reading ‘deep’, in context and reading ‘together’ rather than individually.

For the Institute, this change in format represents a paradigm shift and not just the latest addition to the myriad of Bibles currently available. Nor is it meant to replace the many excellent reference and study Bibles which many of us will own. Rather, the easy-to-read format will complement your existing Bible, encouraging a fresh and more engaging reading experience.

Given this ‘reading’ format, the Institute is keen to see Immerse read and shared together in groups, suggesting a ‘book club’, rather than a ‘Bible study’ model. For anyone who is nervous about joining a Bible study or who may be completely new to Bible reading, Immerse is the perfect way to start reading and engaging with Scripture. For those more experienced in navigating the Scriptures, this different approach can be transformational. As one participant in a group commented, “I’m reading Romans with fresh eyes.”

Set in a single-column format, the complete NLT is presented in six separate volumes, covering each of the Bible’s literary genres. This includes Messiah (the New Testament), Beginnings (Genesis to Deuteronomy), Kingdoms ( Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings), Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the minor prophets), Poets ( Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations) and Chronicles (Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel). Each book includes a historical and literary introduction to set the scene and help immerse the reader in the Bible’s story.

Each volume is also supported with an easy-to-follow reading plan and

free online resources, including weekly videos, a custom audio edition and family guides. In addition, there’s also a wealth of introductory resources, specifically designed to help and guide ministers, pastors and small-group leaders. Group discussions are facilitated with the use of four open-ended discussion starters designed to encourage participation from group members.

Reading in this way, covering two volumes per year, the entire Bible would be covered in three years. This is a great rhythm for the church to get into –

Unintentionally, we have created an entire subculture around what I call ‘Bible McNuggets’. regularly spending time together around God’s Word as a core part of our lives as the body of Christ; experiencing life together, deeply engaged with God’s Word on an ongoing basis. That’s the vision for Immerse.

Philip Yancey, in a recent article on Bible engagement, made some very telling observations as he reflected on the demise of Bible reading, especially in the West:

“…I realised the subtle danger in viewing the Bible as a collection of pious phrases, rather than as a cohesive whole…Unintentionally, we have created an entire subculture around what I call ‘Bible McNuggets’.

“The church will need equal creativity to take on a further goal of getting people to actually read the Bible for themselves.

The Bible will have little effect on a person’s life if he or she doesn’t know what it says.”

Piloted in Northern Ireland and Scotland in 2021, there are now several Presbyterian, Baptist and Anglican churches across the Province already engaged with Immerse.

To find out more about Immerse go to: www.premier.org.uk/Immerse And for more information on how to facilitate it in your congregation, please contact Richard McChesney at richard.mcchesney@premier.org.uk Richard McChesney is an elder in Whiteabbey Presbyterian and a previous manager of the Church’s bookshop in the 1980s. He has spent his career in Christian publishing and distribution and currently acts as the Immerse church coordinator on behalf of Premier Christian Media.

Comments on Immerse “Immerse gave us a way to read the Bible together in community with others and through fresh eyes.”

“We have been caught up in the overall flow of the story and glimpsed the bigger picture. Above all, we have been confronted with the love of God, the magnificence of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.”

“Such a fresh way of reading the Bible, it’s come alive again.”

“You get a sense of the message of a whole book, not just a verse or chapter.”

“The NLT has been a great version to use and has made some difficult passages easier to understand.”

Herald March 2022

37

Learning

to listen

Roz Stirling introduces a number of upcoming events with Sharon Garlough Brown, all focused on spiritual formation.

I

n the spring of 2002, as part of a sabbatical from my regular ministry commitments, I was invited to attend a five-day retreat in the United States. Those five days were to be a very important moment in my life, and became the foundation for the establishment of the ministry of Cleopas that is now my passion and joy.

But allow me to backtrack for just a moment. It had been my privilege to serve in three Christian ministry positions since leaving my teaching career behind. The doors to overt Christian ministry that opened up for me provided the same fulfillment and joy as teaching young people had, along with the same amount of challenge and demand as any of our teachers face in their classrooms.

But I am a 100%-plus sort of person, and so I marched headlong into the new challenges, with the energy and naivety of youth and with utter conviction of the call of God to serve him through these roles. By the spring of 2002, however, I was exhausted; an exhaustion that was

Spiritual formation is the process through which the Holy Spirit shapes and forms us to be more like Christ… as much a spiritual exhaustion as it was physical, emotional and mental.

The invitation to attend this five-day retreat came from a fellow Christian leader, who observed the depth of this exhaustion in me, and who knew that without some serious ‘holy’ rest, I was on a collision course with disaster. How I thank the Lord for the discernment of that leader. I was in burnout, but terrifyingly, I had no clue how empty and dry my soul was, nor how dangerously out of step with the Lord I had become, simply because I was too busy and driven to hear his ‘still small voice’.

The evil one loves to use the very work we do for the Lord as a vehicle for

In Cleopas we are passionate about the nurture of the life that God intended his children to know and grow into. A life lived from the resources of the kingdom of God, through which we are transformed by his divine grace to reflect the character and beauty of Christ. We offer retreats and quiet days as opportunities for individuals or groups to step away from the pressures and busyness of the everyday and enter for a short time, a place of stillness and rest where unhurried time with the Lord will restore our souls.

For more information on the work of Cleopas, visit www.cleopas.net

38

Herald March 2022

distracting us from a place of abiding in Christ. Jesus told us so clearly in John 15, that unless we abide in him, what we do for him is worthless. I learnt on that retreat that I must be living out of a deep, daily communion with the Lord, which meant a commitment to unhurried time in his company and presence. If I choose to commit to such a walk with the Lord, then what I do in his name will more readily be his initiative, a response to where he is at work and already active, and I will know and experience the light and easy burden of Matthew 11.

And what is really important here, is that this life of abiding is how the Lord longs for all of his children to live.

This is not just the life required of those in a position of leadership. This is the Christian life at its very best for every disciple of Jesus Christ.

Fast forward to now. In May of this year, the ministry of Cleopas will host a very gifted leader, author, retreat guide and engaging speaker. A lady who has learned to ‘abide in Christ’ and live out of the ‘unforced rhythms of grace’ as Eugene Peterson so wonderfully translates Jesus’ words in Matthew 11.

Sharon Garlough Brown has, for many years, learned the joy and lightness of spirit that comes from abiding in Christ, the outcome of which is a humble, selfeffacing commitment to Christ, which has birthed in her a profound ministry. A ministry that we will have the privilege of tapping into this coming May.

What Sharon offers is an insight into the Christian life that is entirely cognisant of the reality of the everyday life that we all contend with. All the demands, joys, sorrows, disruptions and unexpected happenings that can ambush us at any moment. Her insight into the journey of spiritual growth and formation that emerges from a life of abiding in Christ, is clearly illustrated in her awardwinning book, Sensible Shoes. (There is an excellent review of this on p40.)

Sharon explains the centrality of Christian spiritual formation, or what we might know better as the journey of Christian sanctification, as follows: “Spiritual formation is the process through which the Holy Spirit shapes and forms us to be more like Christ, both individually and in community. We don’t have the power to make ourselves like Jesus. That is the Spirit’s work. But through the practice of prayer and other spiritual disciplines, we are trained to grow in our attentiveness to the presence of God with us, and within us. This deepens our responsiveness to God’s

Sharon Garlough Brown Sharon Garlough Brown is an author, spiritual director and retreat leader who travels internationally to lead retreats and speak. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, Sharon has served on the pastoral staff of congregations in Scotland, Oklahoma, England and most recently, West Michigan where she co-pastored with her husband Jack.

Sharon, during the past decade, has become known internationally because of her success as an author.

Her best-selling series, Sensible Shoes, follows the journey of four characters who are learning to rest in the love of God in the midst of the stuff of life.

Her retreat and book ministry is offered through Abiding Way Ministries, and can be found at www.abidingway.life In March of this year, Sharon and her husband Jack will move to Dundee in Scotland, where Jack has been called to serve as minister and pastor of an independent evangelical church.

gracious initiatives, and opens our heart to cooperate with the Spirit for our transformation, redemption and freedom.

It is a way of being with God and resting in his love and grace.

“Spiritual formation is not an individualistic behaviour modification programme, nor is it a self-improvement plan. It is a way of being with God and resting in his love and grace. This way of life takes intentionality and practise as we keep company with Jesus and reflect his likeness in the world. A world that desperately needs to see the manifestation of his character through his people. Especially in tumultuous days like these.”

The events that will be offered this spring are open to anyone. The two Saturday retreats are more specifically for general attendance, while the leaders’ morning is for ordained ministers and

Sharon visits in May 2022 Abiding in the love of God Saturday 21 May 10am–4pm (arrival from 9.15am) Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, Belfast, BT7 1HL A retreat open to anyone seeking to walk closely with the Lord.

Cost: £35pp To book: email Patricia Blake at patricia.blake.cleopas@gmail.com Tending your own vineyard Monday 23 May 10am–12.45pm Edenmore Golf and Country Club, Craigavon, BT67 0RH A morning of reflection for ordained and non-ordained leaders and mission personnel.

Cost: £20pp To book: email Pauline Wilson at pauline.wilson.cleopas@gmail.com Water from the well Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 May 9.30am (Tuesday) – 5pm (Wednesday) Dromantine Retreat Centre, Newry, BT34 1RH

non-ordained church leaders and mission personnel. The overnight retreat is an opportunity for unhurried time of retreat and will suit both leaders, pastoral care providers and any Christian who longs for time apart to be with the Lord.

Bookings are well underway so early booking is preferable. Current Covid restrictions are limiting the number of places in each venue. We do hope that by May time this will be less of an issue.

It would be wonderful to see you in May. Come as an individual, or gather a group from within your church or indeed a presbytery. These retreats will suit both men and woman of any age group.

Many young people have greatly enjoyed Sharon’s writings. We anticipate a time of deep blessing through Sharon’s ministry, and look forward to seeing you in May. Roz Stirling is the director of Cleopas.

This overnight retreat is open to all, but will be of particular interest to those involved in pastoral care and church leadership.

It will allow for unhurried time to wait upon and rest in God while listening for his ‘still small voice’.

Cost: £145pp To book: email Roz Stirling at roz.stirling.cleopas@gmail.com Abiding in the love of God Saturday 28 May 10am–4pm (arrival from 9.15am) High Kirk Presbyterian Church, Ballymena, BT43 6AZ A retreat open to anyone seeking to walk closely with the Lord.

Cost: £35pp To book: email Daphne Wilson at daphne.wilson.cleopas@gmail.com For full details on all the events or a booking form, please visit www.cleopas.net

Herald March 2022

39

REVIEWS

Unless otherwise stated all resources are available from your local Faith Mission Bookshop or online www.fmbookshops.com

There Came a Day: A child’s murder, a mother’s survival Patricia Cardy

Healer Casting Crowns

BEACH STREET RECORDS

£7.99

«««««

This is Casting Crowns’ first album in four years and it’s a mini one.

With just seven songs it feels a little short, but lead singer Mark Hall has explained that the band will be releasing the second part of the album in the spring.

Healer has song-writing collaborations with Matthew West and Brooke Ligertwood (Hillsong), amongst others, however, it still sounds classically Casting Crowns.

Most of the songs reflect the difficulties associated with being in a pandemic, and so there is a definite authenticity about it.

The title track is a reminder that amidst the Covid chaos we need to fix our eyes on Jesus: “The whole world’s looking for something; but we need someone.” Desert Road is a powerful ballad that speaks to trusting God regardless of our circumstances.

And Power of the Cross is a great affirmation of the difference that Jesus’ death has made to our lives.

There is a slight departure from the band’s usual style with the quirky 2nd Opinions. This is full of clever lyrics that question the validity and helpfulness of Christian cliches.

But the track that has had the most radio play is Scars in Heaven, which addresses the subject of grief. After experiencing personal loss and watching those around him lose loved ones to Covid, Mark Hall has produced a beautiful song that provides comfort and hope.

After a four-year departure, fans will be delighted the band are back.

SH

40

Herald March 2022

10PUBLISHING £9.99

«««««

Few people have ever been at the centre of the pain that Pat and Andy Cardy and their family went through back in 1981, when nine-year-old Jennifer was abducted. Before Kate and Gerry McCann, there was Pat and Andy, Mark, Philip and Victoria.

If you’re Northern Irish and have any memory from 40 years ago, you’ll remember the horror at watching the news after little Jennifer’s disappearance.

Photographs of her young face with its sprinkling of freckles and beautiful smiley eyes, made this real-life horror story all the more gripping. An entire generation’s attitude of how children would be allowed to play, altered forever. No more speaking to strangers, no more playing outside with reckless abandon.

The headlines came and went, but the grief for the family was longer lasting, and the wait for the killer’s trial in 2011, excruciatingly slow to happen.

The hunt for Robert Black was one of the longest police investigations in the UK, ever. Time would slowly tell over decades that Jennifer was not the last of his victims. He would continue to murder until his capture in 1991.

There Came a Day is a mother’s story of her eldest daughter’s abduction and murder, along with how she and Andy navigated their strengthening, rather than weakening, faith, along a path of forgiveness and survival. It is a story of a daughter and sister, and a murder trial, but also one of unimaginable maternal pain; a remarkable turning towards God in tragedy, unlike many who’d be excused for doing the opposite.

JT

Sensible Shoes Sharon Garlough Brown IVP USA

£11.34

«««««

In our technological age it has become much easier to live superficially.

Allowing others to speak into our lives is vital for growing and advancing our faith. Through this book, author and retreat leader, Sharon Garlough Brown, will do just that.

Sensible Shoes is the first in a series of four fictional novels that track the lives of four main characters who are at different stages in life. They have a varied set of circumstances, but with one common thread – they are each being drawn to engage with truth and with Scripture, but in a manner that allows them to really slow down and listen.

I might call it a literary Netflix set, that draws you in and allows you to sit on the set as it is being filmed. You will enter their homes and observe their marriages; you will travel with them to their work and listen to their personal conversations. You will feel their sadness and pain, wanting to keep reading as their stories draw you in. You will celebrate their progress and in the end be thankful that the author has brought them to life, in your life.

Although set in an American culture, this does not intrude or deflect from this good story, which is well told.

This is a series of books that you can read on your own and find great enjoyment and encouragement; but it is even better to read it with a few others.

Having spoken with some who have done this, I hear comments like: “The most personal of groups I’ve ever been in,” and “This has really helped us open up our hearts to fellow Christians, in ways we have never done.”

JK

REVIEWERS

SH – Sarah Harding is editor of the Herald JMcC – James McCormick is head of PCI’s Creative Production Department

The Kingdom of God – The director’s cut Richard Porter AUTHENTIC

£14.99

«««««

Theologian and film buff Richard Porter uses the analogy of God as ‘director of the greatest show on earth’ to produce a fast-paced readable journey through the big picture of the Bible.

Porter sets the scene from God’s perspective, identifying the stage, the audience, the actors and the script.

In a unique yet convincing way, he demonstrates that biblical plot lines that we consider genocide or ethnic cleansing are motivated only by the Director’s love and justice. God sticks to the divine script, even when the actors (Israel) on the stage (the Holy Land) rip it up and write their own version.

The book goes on to emphasise Jesus Christ’s place in his Jewish context and in God’s big picture, not confining him within our understanding of Jesus as simply a New Testament figure.

The author is passionate about seeing God’s kingdom come, and to assist us in understanding what we mean when we pray those words that Jesus taught. What is the good news we have to share, and what will it mean to our families, cities and nations if we start getting serious about seeing the kingdom come? The author gives plenty of practical examples from his own remarkable faith journey, his family life and ministry experience to illustrate these principles.

Porter’s writing style is laugh-out-loud funny, moving, honest and very real. He keeps the reader enthralled in the story from Genesis to Revelation. This book could change your life.

RMcC

JT – Jamie Trimble is a freelance photographer JK – Rev John Kirkpatrick is minister of Portrush Presbyterian and Moderator-Designate RMcC – Ruth McConnell is a member of Orangefield Presbyterian SEH – Suzanne Hamilton is an administrative officer for the Herald

Carl at Clonard – Ambassador of the common good 4 Corners Festival 4CORNERSFESTIVAL.COM

««««« “I cried today” – just one of the many take away quotes from retired twoweight World Champion boxer Carl Frampton MBE in his interview as part of the 4 Corners festival.

Carl in conversation with local journalist Mark Sidebottom, came across genuine and sincere as he talked about many aspects of his life and career –

Characters in Acts Harry Uprichard DAYONE

£6

«««««

Former PCI Moderator, Dr Harry Uprichard, is a prolific writer, having already written numerous books, including A Son is Given: Christ in Isaiah, A Son is Promised: Christ in the Psalms and 1 Peter: Living for Christ in a suffering world. In Characters in Acts: A matter of the heart he turns his attention to seven people who had an encounter with the gospel.

growing up in Tiger’s Bay, marrying one of “them ’uns”, his relationship with Barry McGuigan and how boxing changed his life. His tears that day were in relation to a recent family bereavement, he went on to say, “Other people take their frustration and have to go punch a wall, I just let the tears out, and it sorts me out.”

One recurring theme was the positive influence his trainers had on him, and in turn how he recognises the influence his position gives him – “If you’ve been given a platform... you should use it for a positive effect.”

Complimented for his ‘moral compass’, the conversation ranged from seeking out peaceful places of worship while training abroad to the tragic murder of former opponent, Mexican boxer Alejandro Gonzalez Jr, by a drug cartel in 2016.

There was no doubt in listening to Carl speak, he values the importance of seeking common ground and striving for common good. This interview along with many other from the 10th 4 Corners events can be viewed at 4cornersfestival.com JMcC

The book is aptly named as Uprichard gets to the heart of the matter in each case as he explores their stories and considers their different reactions.

He gives a detailed account of those transformed by the gospel, whether they embrace Christ as their saviour or not, dedicating a chapter to each. His subjects include Paul with his changed heart, the Ethiopian eunuch and his believing heart, and the open-hearted Lydia, as well as those who reject it, such as Agrippa and his disdaining heart.

“The stories of these lives point to a heaven to gain and a hell to shun… These characters show that true conversion to Christ is a matter of the heart directed by the Spirit as defined in Scripture,” says Uprichard.

Characters in Acts is a carefully written and detailed book, which is suitable for use by individuals wanting to dig deeper into the Bible, or for group study.

SEH

Herald March 2022

41

LIFE IN PCI

Nikki Strain and Jane Millar

Rosamond Bennett

Freddie Stirling

Presbyterians tap in to fundraising challenges Members of Presbyterian congregations have raised thousands for Christian Aid Ireland by completing sponsored walking and watercarrying challenges. Their efforts were in solidarity with women and girls in drought-affected countries.

Sisters Nikki Strain and Jane Millar, who are members of Carnmoney Presbyterian Church, raised around £3,000, while the efforts of Rachel McCormick, Doreen Campbell, Jenny Farlow, Rachel Henderson, Moira Irwin, Ivy Thompson and Joyce Workman – all members of Presbyterian congregations in the Garvagh area – totalled almost £1,500.

Ballyclare grandmother Freddie Stirling walked for 75 miles over 7.5 days while carrying containers filled with water. Freddie increased the volume of water each day until, by the end, she was carrying 7.5 litres.

Supported by the members of Kilbride Presbyterian Church, she raised around £800.

Christian Aid Ireland chief executive Rosamond Bennett, a member of Whitehead Presbyterian Church, completed her own challenge. Every day during Christian Aid Week, she walked for five kilometres while carrying six litres of water. A sponsored walk by Rosemary Hunter and Jenny Carmichael, quiz, coffee morning and church collection all helped Stormont Presbyterian raise £5,500 for the charity.

In a normal year, Monaghan woman Nan Bradford is one of the helpers at the annual Ballybay coffee morning and cake sale. This popular event is organised by members of the four Ballybay Presbyterian churches to raise funds for Christian Aid but when it had to be cancelled because of the pandemic, Nan opted to walk instead. Over the space of a month, the First Ballybay member walked 12,000 steps every day, raising almost €3,800 for Christian Aid.

Ballywatt crafts charity cash Inspired by the beautiful autumn displays created for harvest thanksgiving, the decision was taken to form Ballywatt PW Crafters in January 2018.

This friendly group meets on a Tuesday morning in a safe setting under Covid guidelines to enjoy fellowship and craic. They stayed connected during lockdown via WhatsApp, telephone calls, and socially-distanced visits. This meant a lot, especially to some of the more vulnerable members.

Since its formation, the Crafters have been involved in local and global outreach. Groups who have benefited from the gifts and talents of the ladies include the Causeway Hospital Maternity Unit, Blossoms charity (Belfast), Jim and Susan McAvoy (The Nook, Lisburn), Seafarers (Cork), the cancer shop at Belfast City Hospital and the Earl Haig fund.

Items made include hats, scarves, cardigans, blankets, shawls and twiddle muffs. In addition, items have been provided for newborn babies, special occasions and sick visitation gifts within the church itself.

Last year Crafters decided to produce a 2022 desktop calendar depicting local scenes and church photographs. A biblical verse accompanied each month. Also included with the calendar was a comprehensive history of the County Londonderry church written by Rev Ivan Hunter (minister emeritus).

42

Herald March 2022

Having lived through these unprecedented times, it became apparent that the lockdowns were affecting the mental health of all ages.

Accordingly, it seemed appropriate to nominate the Coleraine and District branch of the Samaritans as the chosen charity. Rev Ross Collins and representatives of Ballywatt Crafters presented a cheque for £600 to Dr David McKeown and Rev Robert Kane from the Samaritans.

Acknowledging the Ballywatt PW initiative, David, who is director in the local Samaritans branch as well as an elder in Mosside Presbyterian Church, explained that Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide. “We strive to be the best that we can be for every caller. We provide a 24/7 listening ear to anyone feeling distressed for any reason.”

He added that the Samaritan training process is the best training he has received. “We all need trained to be better listeners and the rewards for doing so are immense. We support each other, as within Ireland we deal with 1,500 calls a day. Every Samaritan saves lives. Samaritans always needs more volunteers as the demand for support continues to grow. It’s hard to keep pace with that demand, especially over the past two years. If any reader has a genuine interest in giving something back, just visit the Samaritan website, declare an interest and you will be contacted by the Samaritan branch closest to you.”

To share good news stories from your congregation please send your photographs and details to herald@presbyterianireland.org

Unbroken attendance in The Groves Retirement in Glenhoy Rev Edwin Frazer (right) is pictured making a presentation to Rowland Mulligan, to mark his retirement as clerk of session in Glenhoy Presbyterian Church after 37 years’ service. Also pictured is Mr Mulligan’s wife Yvonne.

Josh McKee was presented with a Bible in recognition of his 10 years of unbroken attendance at The Groves Sunday school. He is pictured with Rev Ker Graham and Sharon McNiece (Sunday school superintendent).

Presentation in Ballyroney Retirement in First Kilraughts A presentation has been made Rev Noel McClean to mark his retirement after 20 years of ministry in First Kilraughts. Mr and Mrs McClean are pictured with their children, Gemma, Charis, Kathryn and Marcus.

Members of Ballyroney Presbyterian Church recently made a presentation to Rev Russell Edgar, who is leaving the County Down church to move to Kilfennan Presbyterian. Mr Edgar and Emma Edgar are pictured with Colin Murray, Victor Morrison, David Peters, Bobby Stanley and Raymond Ringland.

New elders in Buckna Ballymena Presbytery ordained and installed four new ruling elders in Buckna Presbyterian Church recently. David Bradley, Ian Craig and David Woodburn were ordained and installed. David Hanna was installed, having previously served as an elder in a former congregation. Pictured in the front row are: Dr Florence Woodburn, Sharon Craig, Lynn Kennedy, Joanne Hanna and Joan Bradley. Back row: Mr Woodburn, Mr Craig, Rev Stephen Kennedy, Mr Hanna and Mr Bradley.

Herald March 2022

43

LIFE IN PCI

New minister in First Newtownards Rev Craig Lynn has been installed as minister of First Presbyterian Church Newtownards by a commission of Ards Presbytery. Seated: Rev Sam Castles, Rev John McConaghie (moderator of presbytery), Mr Lynn, Rev John Flaherty (clerk of presbytery) and David Cargo (clerk of session).

Standing: Rev Stephen Orr, William McCausland, Rev Robert Hamilton, David Carson and Brian Morrison.

100th birthday celebrated Jack Montgomery celebrated his 100th birthday recently, surrounded by his family. He was visited by the Moderator, Dr David Bruce, Zoë Bruce, and by his minister, Rev Nigel Kane. Mr Montgomery was ordained as an elder in Magherally Presbyterian Church, County Down on 12 November 1967.

Installation in Carland David Morrow has been installed as an elder in Carland Presbyterian Church. He is pictured in the front row (centre) with Rev Alan Dickey (moderator of Tyrone Presbytery), Rev David Brownlow (minister of the congregation), Rev Jackie Spence and Noel Condy. Back row: Miller Glendinning, Dr Jonathan Curry (presbytery clerk), Rev James Porter, Rev Alan Thompson and John Williamson.

New minister for Tobermore and Draperstown Birthday milestone in Immanuel Alex Beck, a member of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in north Belfast, celebrated his 100th birthday recently. The occasion was marked by a

44

Herald March 2022

Rev Thomas Trevor Boyd has been installed as minister of Tobermore and Draperstown Presbyterian churches. He is pictured (centre) with Rev Tom Greer, Dr Jonathan Curry (vacancy convener and clerk of presbytery), Rev Alan Dickey (moderator of Tyrone Presbytery) and Rev Michael Currie.

Photograph by Charles Henderson of Charles Henderson Photography.

Tag good news stories from your congregation on Twitter with #lifeinpci and @pciassembly

Long service in Clogher Rev Edwin Frazer, minister of Clogher Presbyterian Church, is pictured presenting a gift to William Beatty, in recognition of 44 years’ service to the Co Tyrone church as treasurer – a task he performed with great dedication and efficiency.

New communicants in Irvinestown A group of young people from Irvinestown Presbyterian Church were accepted as communicants at a special service in the County Fermanagh church. They are pictured with Rev Gunther Andrich (minister) and Ken Hunter (clerk of session). The new communicants are, back row, from left: Craig Pearson, Connor McLean and Thomas Vance. Front row: Edeline Andrich, Tanya Mullan and Hannah Campbell.

Faithful service marked in Myroe Myroe Presbyterian has presented gifts to Violet Miller, who after over 30 years is stepping back from her role as Sunday school superintendent.

During this time, she dedicated herself to the children and young people of the County Londonderry congregation, providing them with opportunities to hear and learn the gospel. Myroe also thanked Roberta Bradley, Ruth Cathers and Ruth Gilfillan, who are retiring as Sunday school teachers after many decades of service between them. Ms Miller is pictured with Elspeth Jones (left) and Richard Blair (clerk of session).

Presentation in Groomsport Rev Paul Dalzell (minister of Groomsport Presbyterian) is pictured presenting gifts to Margaret McCreedy on the occasion of her retirement as Sunday school teacher and superintendent in the County Down church. Mrs McCreedy taught in the Sunday school since 1968 and was superintendent from 1983 to 2021.

Presentation in First Castlederg BB Members of First Castlederg Boys’ Brigade, who received their poppy badges from Richard Black (chairman of Castlederg branch of the Royal British Legion). Also pictured are company officers Jim Emery, William Orr (left) and captain Bobby Rutledge (right).

Herald March 2022

45

Leaking flat roof?

Upgrade to a new

Warm Rubber Roof

Would you like to know more about how the Society is helping to give children a better future?

Why not book a speaker for your congregation or group?

The Presbyterian Children’s Society exists to support Presbyterian children and their families in times of financial need. The Society works mainly through Ministers to provide regular and exceptional grants.

Last year the Society provided over two thirds of a million pounds in grants to Presbyterian families throughout Ireland.

This practical Christian compassion has helped to make a positive difference to the lives of over 43,000 children across many generations.

The Society welcomes invitations from Presbyterian congregations and groups to explore and consider its rich history of practical ministry to Presbyterian children and their families.

Save money on heating bills and add comfort to your home

Booking enquiries for deputation (including PW, midweek groups or Church service) can be made by contacting:

Supply & Fit Service Also D I Y Kits

Mr Jason Nicholson, Executive Secretary The Presbyterian Children’s Society Glengall Exchange, 3 Glengall Street, Belfast, BT12 5AB Tel. +44(0)28 9032 3737 Email: jasonnicholson@presbyterianchildrenssociety.org Web: www.presbyterianchildrenssociety.org

Haire Bros Ltd 028 7034 2696

www.hairebros.co.uk

The Presbyterian Children’s Society: For Life’s Dark Hours

CROSSWORD Puzzle no 266 1

2

solution on page 50 3

4

9 11

12

5

6

7

8

10

13

14 15 16

17

18 19

20

23

21

24

25

22

26

27

28

29

30 31

32

compiled by Harry Douglas

46

Herald March 2022

ACROSS 1 Decorative fabric border (6) 5 Jesus appeared on this road (6) 9 Arab state (initials) (3) 11 It’s as simple as… (3) 13 Annoys (9) 14 Not either (3) 15 Squeeze dough (5) 16 Girl’s name (3) 17 Three of a kind (8) 20 Relax (5) 21 Jimmy’s game (7) 23 Near (4) 26 Ran with a long stride (5) 27 Silicon Valley (initials) (2) 28 Make lines on glass (4) 29 Type of tea (4,4) 31 Forward movement of head (3) 32 A moral blemish (5)

DOWN 1 One of the Magi’s gifts (12) 2 Getting bigger (10) 3 Londonderry attraction (9) 4 Hearing organ (3) 6 Old mum (6) 7 New Testament book (4) 8 Boyle the singer (5) 10 Up and down (7) 12 James as 007 (4) 18 An event (8) 19 Christian martyr (7) 22 Response (5) 24 A terrible Russian (4) 25 Cargo depository (4) 26 A bird having a laugh (4) 30 Take a wicket in 21 across (initials) (2)

Ministry Apprentice JOB PURPOSE: To work within Trinity Presbyterian Church, being involved in aspects of ministry such as preaching, pastoral care, leadership, outreach and youth work.

CONTRACT: Fixed term contract for the duration of 24 months The candidate will be expected to participate in part-time study, funded by Trinity Presbyterian Church, at Cornhill Training Centre, Belfast which will include a practical ministry attachment to Trinity HOURS: 8 hours per week including evenings and weekends SALARY: £4000 per annum

Ministry Taster Day Saturday 26th March, 2022, 10.30am–1pm Find out more about serving God and studying for the ministry of PCI Explore God’s leading in your life Current and former students’ experiences of study Study courses and pathways Ministry application process

FURTHER INFORMATION: For Application Form, full Job Description, Personnel Specification and Terms and Conditions, please contact: Clerk of Session: Mr W.R. Quinn, 48 Newal Road, Ballymoney, BT53 6HE Email: bertiequinn48@gmail.com Telephone: (028) 2766 3136/ 07831 831175

For further details, or to register, contact David Leach at d.leach@union.ac.uk; (028) 9020 5080 Union Theological College, 108 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, BT1 7JT.

This post will be offered to the successful applicant on the basis of a 24 month contract, starting 1/9/22, including a 6 month probationary period.

This event free, but please register by 21 March for catering purposes – coffee and lunch will be provided.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 14/5/22. It is planned to hold interviews for this post during the week beginning 6/6/22.

Ministry in PCI is open to men and women on an equal basis.

High Street Presbyterian Church, Antrim

Are you our new

Music Coordinator?

We are looking for an enthusiastic person who is passionate about serving God and developing music ministry within the life and witness of a local congregation.This position is part-time (6 to 8 hrs per week, variable).

For further details, job description and application pack, please contact:

Readvertisemnet

FIRST HOLYWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH invites applications for the post of

Coordinator of Children’s and Youth Ministry

to coordinate the strategic development of the children’s and youth ministry of the congregation.

We are seeking an experienced individual who has a clear understanding of and commitment to the effective outreach to and discipleship of children and young people. They also require an ability to establish and maintain good relationships with children, young people, parents and leaders.

This post will provide strategic development and oversight of children’s ministry and give support and coordination to a growing youth ministry.

Hours of work: 37.5 per week (permanent) Salary: PCI recommended salary scale Band B (£23,772–£27,899 per annum) point dependent on qualifications and experience, with annual review.

Rev Colin McDowell, 16 Beechfield, Antrim BT41 1BS cmcdowell@presbyterianireland.org www.highstchurch.org

Information pack, revised job description and application form are available from: Church Office, First Holywood Presbyterian Church, 7 Bangor Road, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 0NU

Closing date for applications is 31 March 2022

Closing date for applications: 12 midday on Monday 21 March 2022

Tel: (028) 9042 5035 Email: office@firstholywood.co.uk

Herald March 2022

47

CHURCH RECORD VACANT CONGREGATIONS, MODERATORS AND CLERKS OF KIRK SESSIONS (Information supplied by Clerks of Presbyteries, Conveners of Assembly Commissions and Councils.)

1. LEAVE TO CALL GRANTED

Application forms are available on request from the Clerk’s Office or may be downloaded from the PCI website.

BALLYGOMARTIN: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV I.K. McDONALD: Mr Raymond Cummings, 43A Lyndhurst Gardens, Belfast, BT13 3PH. BANGOR, HAMILTON ROAD (ASSOCIATE): REV CHRISTOPH EBBINGHAUS: Mr Alan McDowell, 11 Braemar Park, Bangor, BT20 5HZ. BANGOR, WEST (ASSOCIATE): VERY REV DR C.J.C. McMULLEN: Mr Lindsay Conway OBE, 14 Rutherglen Gardens, Bangor, BT19 1DD. BROUGHSHANE – SECOND: REV P.D. THOMPSON: Mr Ivor Hutchinson, 73 Tullymore Road, Broughshane, BT43 7HW. CARNMONEY: REV P.G. McCREA: Mr Paul Elliott, 52b Connor Road, Parkgate, BT39 OEA. CASTLEBLAYNEY FIRST, CORVALLEY (Home Mission) & FRANKFORD: (Part-time (60%); Reviewable Tenure – 7 Years) REV DR G.W. CLINTON: (Castleblayney First) Mrs Daphne Holmes-Greer, Tighnabruaich, Killygola, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. (Frankford) Mr Thomas McBirney, Mulladuff, Newtownhamilton, Newry, BT35 0LG. (Corvally) Mr Fred Eakin, Sreenty, Corduff, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan.

CLOGHERNEY and SIXMILECROSS: REV R.G. McELNEA: (Clogherney) Miss Ruth Kerr, 2 Georgian Villas, Omagh, BT79 0AT. (Sixmilecross) Mr Alan Gibson, 1 Dreenan Road, Beragh, Omagh, BT79 0SH. COOKE CENTENARY: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV IVAN STEEN: Mrs Elaine MacNeill, 55 Kirkliston Park, Belfast, BT5 6ED. DONAGHADEE, SHORE STREET: REV P.C. LYLE: Mr Jim Pollock, 60 Hogstown Road, Donaghadee, BT21 0NH. DONEMANA: VERY REV DR R.L. CRAIG: Mr Derek Gamble, 20 Longlands Road, Donemana, Strabane, BT82 OPQ. FIRST DERRY (incl. CLAREMONT) and MONREAGH: REV DR T.R. BUICK: (First Derry) Mr Billy Kyle, 74 Dunboyne Park, Eglinton, Londonderry, BT47 3YJ. (Monreagh) Mr John Vance, Cross, Carrigans, Lifford, Co Donegal, F93 PXT0.

GARVAGH, MAIN ST and KILLAIG: REV DREWE McCONNELL: (Garvagh, Main St) Mr Alan Farlow, 39 Ballynameen Road, Garvagh, BT51 5PN. (Killaig) Mr Ivan McKane, 27 Cashel Road, Macosquin, Coleraine, BT51 4PW. KILLYLEAGH: REV A.S. SMYTH: Mr Graham Furey, 75 Comber Road, Toye, Killyleagh, BT30 9PA. KNOCK (ASSOCIATE): (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV D.T. MOORE: Mr Hugo Wilson, 5 Finchley Gardens, Belfast, BT4 2JB. LECKPATRICK and DONAGHEADY: REV S.J. RICHMOND: (Leckpatrick) Mr Sam Clyde, 36 Woodend Road, Strabane, BT82 8LF. (Donagheady) Mr Ernie Colhoun, 44 Lowertown Road, Ballymagorry, Strabane, BT82 OLF. MONEYMORE, FIRST and SECOND: REV DR G.W.D. STEWART: Mr Jim Davison, 20 Drumrot Road, Moneymore, BT45 7QH. MOUNTPOTTINGER: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV J.W. FRAZER: Mr Gordon McConnell, 247 Orby Drive, Belfast, BT5 6BE. MUCKAMORE: REV S.J. LOCKINGTON: Dr Brian Hill, 1 Lylehill Green, Templepatrick, BT39 0BF. WEST KIRK (ASSOCIATE): (Reviewable Tenure – 3 years) REV DAVID CLAWSON: Mr Roy Thompson, 3 Ingledale Park, Belfast, BT14 7GZ.

48

Herald March 2022

2. LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED DUNFANAGHY and CARRIGART: (Home Mission) REV DR BRIAN BROWN: (Dunfanaghy) Mrs Ethel Montgomery, ‘Millrace’, Marble Hill Road, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. (Carrigart) Mrs Joy Buchanan, Figart, Carrigart, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. GORTNESSY: REV A.J.A. ROSBOROUGH: Mr Ross Hyndman, 32 Temple Road, Strathfoyle, Londonderry, BT47 6UB. RICHVIEW: REV N.S. HARRISON: Mr Victor Garland, 25 Abingdon Drive, Belfast, BT12 5PX.

SETTLED STATED SUPPLY APPOINTED BALLINDERRY: VERY REV DR W.J. HENRY, Minister of Maze.

BOVEEDY: REV DR T.J. McCORMICK, Minister of 1st Kilrea.

CAHIR: (Home Mission) REV WILLIAM MONTGOMERY, Minister of Fermoy.

KATESBRIDGE: REV N.J. KANE, Minister of Magherally.

TYRONE’S DITCHES: REV J.K.A. McINTYRE, Minister of Bessbrook.

3. DECLARED VACANT BALLINA, KILLALA & BALLYMOTE: (Home Mission) REV D.J. CLARKE: Mr Geoffrey Shannon, Robin Hill, Carraun, Corballa, Ballina, Co Mayo, F26 A070.

BALLYGRAINEY: REV R.S. HAMILTON: Mr Brian McDowell, 263 Killaughey Road, Ballyhay, Donaghadee, BT21 0ND. BALLYRONEY and DRUMLEE: REV A.M. BORELAND: (Ballyroney) Mr David Peters, 30 Seafin Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, BT32 5ER. (Drumlee) Mr Graham Truesdale, 128 Lackan Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, BT31 9RX. BELLAGHY and KNOCKLOUGHRIM: REV J.B. MULLAN: (Bellaghy) Mr Harry Ferson, 12 Railway Terrace, Castledawson, Magherafelt, BT45 8AY. (Knockloughrim) Mr Wilbur Bownes, 10 Meadowell Fold, Westland Gardens, Magherafelt, BT45 5DP. BELMONT: REV T.J. STOTHERS: Mr Christopher Steele, 1 Hawthornden Drive, Belfast, BT4 2HG. BELVOIR: REV B.J. McCROSKERY: Mr Brian Dunwoody, 19 Drumart Drive, Belfast, BT8 7ET. BURT: REV JAMES LAMONT: Mr James Buchanan, Heathfield, Speenoge, Burt, Co Donegal, F93 W3K6.

CARRICKFERGUS, JOYMOUNT: REV G.A.J. FARQUHAR: Mr Stephen Drake, 8 Bluefield Way, Carrickfergus, BT38 7UB. CASTLEROCK: REV D.H. BROWN: Miss Heather McSparran, 26 Freehall Road, Castlerock, BT51 4TR. CLADYMORE and TASSAGH: REV R.I. ABRAHAM: (Cladymore) Mr David Wilson, 73 Kilmachugh Road, Mowhan, Armagh, BT60 2EN. (Tassagh) Mr Philip Crozier, 68 Bachelors Walk, Keady, Armagh, BT60 2NA. CUMBER and UPPER CUMBER: REV S.W. HIBBERT: (Cumber) Mr Eric Christie, 43 Gorse Road, Killaloo, Londonderry, BT47 3SS. (Upper Cumber) Mr Jack McFarland, 12 Cregg Road, Claudy, Londonderry, BT47 4HX.

Editor’s Note: Information for this page is supplied by the General Secretary’s Department.

Vacancies for conveners of commissions, councils and committees of the General Assembly are online at www.presbyterianireland.org/convenerships DROMARA, SECOND: REV D.H. GILPIN: Mr Herbert Chambers, 29 Stewarts Road, Dromara, BT25 2AN. DROMORE and DRUMQUIN: REV E.T. FRAZER: (Dromore) Mr Lynden Keys, 25 New Park Road, Dromore, Omagh, BT78 3JU. (Drumquin) Dr Paul Booth, 231 Tummery Road, Irvinestown, BT78 3UF. DUN LAOGHAIRE: REV A.J. DUNLOP: Mrs Dorothy Shanahan, 1 Holmwood, Brennanstown, Cabinteely, D18 T2T5.

Clerks of presbytery please note: Only material received by the General Secretary’s Department by the first Friday of the month can be included in the Church Record.

RATHCOOLE: REV A.K. DUDDY: Mr Ken Neill, 307 Merville Garden Village, Newtownabbey, BT37 9TY. RATHFRILAND, FIRST: REV C.G. HARRIS: Mr David Scott, 13 Sleepy Valley, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HL. SAINTFIELD, FIRST: REV B.A. SMALL: Mr Paul Jackson, 20 The Grange, Saintfield, BT24 7NF.

ENNISCORTHY and WEXFORD: (Home Mission) REV M.R.J. ANDERSON: (Enniscorthy) Mr Ian Gibson “Tanglewood”, Monart, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. (Wexford) c/o Mr Ian Gibson.

SPA and MAGHERAHAMLET: REV D.F. LEAL: (Spa) Acting Clerk – Mr Stephen McBride, 28 Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9PA. (Magherahamlet) Mr David Whan, 74 Castlewellan Road, Dromara, BT25 2JN.

FAHAN (Home Mission) and WATERSIDE: REV G.A. McCRACKEN: (Fahan) Mr James Lamberton, 1 Deanfield, Limavady Road, Londonderry, BT47 6HY. (Waterside) Mr William McIlwaine, 19 Glenaden Hill, Altnagelvin Park, Londonderry, BT47 2LJ.

STRABANE and SION MILLS: REV COLIN McKIBBIN: (Strabane) Mr William Watson, 44 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QS. (Sion Mills) Mr Colin Campbell, 26 Albert Place, Sion Mills, Strabane, BT82 9HN.

GLASTRY and KIRKCUBBIN: REV N.W. McAULEY: (Glastry): Mr Will Taylor, 43 Manse Road, Kircubbin, Newtownards BT22 1DR. (Kirkcubbin)

TOBERKEIGH: REV JOHN STANBRIDGE: Mr Jim Kane, 67A Ballinlea Road, Ballinlea Upper, Ballycastle, BT54 6NN.

GLENWHERRY: REV S.D. KENNEDY: Mr Andrew Hoey, 49 Ballynulto Road, Ballymena, BT42 4RJ.

VINECASH: REV P.W.A. McCLELLAND: Mr Thomas Graham, 38 Richmount, Portadown, BT62 4JQ.

GREYSTONE ROAD, ANTRIM: REV STEPHEN SIMPSON: Mr James Warwick, 3 Dunsilly Road, Antrim, BT41 2JH. HILLTOWN and CLONDUFF: REV KENNETH NELSON: (Hilltown) Mr John Ervine, 51 Rostrevor Road, Hilltown, Newry, BT34 5TZ. (Clonduff ) Mr Cecil Brown, 39 Bannfield Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HG. INCH: (Home Mission) REV JAMES LAMONT: Mr James Buchanan, Heathfield, Speenoge, Burt, Co Donegal, F93 W3K6.

KELLS: (Home Mission) REV ALAN McQUADE: Ms Ruth McCartney, Shancarnan, Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath, A82 PF60.

KILLEAD and LOANENDS: REV D.J. STEELE: (Killead) Mr Tom Lewis, 65 Ballyrobin Road, Antrim, BT41 4TF. (Loanends) Mr Peter Leitch, 212 Belfast Road, Antrim, BT41 2EY. KILRAUGHTS, FIRST: REV R.M. MURRAY: Mr Maurice Christie, 10 Kilmandil Road, Dunloy, Ballymena, BT44 9BH. KILREA, SECOND: REV DR CLIVE GLASS: Mr John McIlrath, 9 Moyagoney Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5SX. LECUMPHER AND MAGHERAFELT, UNION ROAD: REV J.A. MARTIN: (Lecumpher) Mr Sammy Thompson, 10 Ballynagowan Road, Desertmartin, BT45 5LH. (Magherafelt, Union Road) Mr Ian Francis, 32 Caraloan Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6NW. MONEYDIG: REV DR S.D.H. WILLIAMSON: Mr Steven Torrens, 115a Agivey Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5UZ. NEWINGTON: REV DR I.D. NEISH: Mr John Lynass, 8 Bushfoot Park, Portballintrae, BT57 8YX. NEWMILLS and CARLAND: REV A.S. THOMPSON: (Newmills) Mr Roy Wilkins, 38 Dungannon Road, Coalisland, Dungannon, BT71 4HP. (Carland) Mr Howard McLean, 16 Ballynorthland Demesne, Dungannon Park, Dungannon, BT71 6BT. NEWTOWNARDS, SECOND: REV DR W.J.P. BAILIE: Mr Ivan Patterson, 11 Heron Crescent, Newtownards, BT23 2WH. NEWTOWNARDS, REGENT STREET: REV P.T. DALZELL: Mr Ian MacDonald, 11 Stanvilla Road, Newtownards, BT23 8HE. PORTAVOGIE: REV G.J. SIMPSON: Mr Trevor Kennedy, 1 Cairndore Road, Newtownards, BT23 8RD.

WHITEHEAD: REV N.W. DUDDY: Ms Helen Graham, 4 Kilcarn, Islandmagee, BT40 3PJ.

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT ARMOY and RAMOAN: REV DR MARK JONES: (Armoy) Mrs Heather Morrison, 82 Carrowreagh Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, BT53 8RS. (Ramoan) Mr Robert Getty, 23 Carrowcroey Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, BT53 8UH. BALLYCAIRN: REV WILLIAM HARKNESS: Mr Brian Milligan, 19 Glenariff Drive, Dunmurry, BT17 9AZ. BELLVILLE: REV D.S. HENRY: Mr Mervyn King, 29 Ardmore Road, Derryadd, Lurgan, BT66 6QP. CARNLOUGH-CUSHENDALL and NEWTOWNCROMMELIN: REV J.A. BEATTIE: (Carnlough-Cushendall) Mr Norman McMullan, 91 Ballymena Road, Carnlough, BT44 0LA. (Newtowncrommelin) Mr James Gillan, 67 Gracefield, Ballymena, BT42 2RP. GRANGE with CRAIGMORE: REV R.S AGNEW: Mr Jamie Harris, 32 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3BE. NEWTOWNSTEWART and GORTIN (Home Mission): REV R.N. ORR: (Newtownstewart) Mr James Baxter, 22 Strabane Road, Newtownstewart, Omagh, BT78 4BD. (Gortin) Mr Adrian Adams, 32 Lisnaharney Road, Lislap, Omagh, BT79 7UE. RALOO and MAGHERAMORNE: REV D.R. CROMIE: (Raloo) Mr Geoff McBride, 72 Raloo Road, Larne, BT40 3DU. (Magheramorne) Mr Morris Gardner, 89 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, BT40 3JG. WARRENPOINT and ROSTREVOR: REV S.S. JOHNSTON: (Warrenpoint) Mr Denis Brady, 28 Seaview, Warrenpoint, Newry, BT34 3NJ. (Rostrevor) Mr Terry O’Flynn, 15 Aurora Na Mara, Shore Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3UP.

THE ELDERSHIP Ordained & Installed GLENNAN: Alexander Waddell, Michael Wallace, Ian White Died: BALLYGOWAN: Samuel James Gibson, John Hanna BALLYKELLY: Hugh Henderson CALEDON: Joe Lawson COMBER, SECOND: Isabella Magill CRAIGAVON: Alex Simms DRUMINNIS: Joe McCall

continued on page 50

Herald March 2022

49

CHURCH RECORD continued from page 49

THE ELDERSHIP (cont)

Advertising Rates 2022 (Trim size: 210mm x 297mm Bleed: 3mm)

Died: KEADY, SECOND: Wilson Giffin LURGAN, FIRST: Bertie Cunningham LURGAN, HILL STREET: Sydney Walker MILFORD: Mervyn Diver REDROCK: Stanley Cordner

THE MINISTRY Ordained and Installed: David Samuel Bingham, as Minister of Clough & Seaforde, on 21 January 2022 Installed: Thomas Andrew Conway, as Minister of Second Comber, on 13 January 2022 Keith Henry Hibbert, as Minister of First Dunboe, on 14 January 2022 Graeme Jonathan Kennedy, as Minister of Kirkpatrick Memorial, on 21 January 2022 Resigned: Thomas Andrew Conway, as Minister of Hilltown & Clonduff, on 12 January 2022 Nigel Darren Craig, as Minister of Belmont, on 31 January 2022 Keith Henry Hibbert, as Minister of Cumber & Upper Cumber, on 13 January 2022 Graeme Jonathan Kennedy, as Minister of Ballygrainey, on 20 January 2022

£450.00

Full Page – Inside

£400.00

Half Page portrait (w86mm x h256mm)

£270.00

Half Page landscape (w176mm x h126mm)

£270.00

Quarter Page portrait (w86mm x h126mm)

£140.00

One Eighth (w86mm x h61mm)

£75.00

Semi Display (per column cm – width 41mm)

£7.00

Classified ads are charged at 30p per word All prices are exclusive of VAT Registered Charities and PCI Congregations will receive a 10% discount Artwork for display advertising should be supplied electronically where possible.

Died: Rev Dr Victor Henry Ryan, Minister Emeritus of First Ballymacarrett, on 28 January 2022

Advertising needs to be booked by the first of the month preceeding publication e.g. 1 August for September edition.

CLASSIFIEDS

If you wish further information about advertising in the Herald or want to place an ad please contact the Herald Office in Assembly Buildings.

Tel: +44 (028) 9032 2284 Email: herald@presbyterianireland.org

Please note: Adverts must be received in writing (email or post) by the first of the month preceding publication to guarantee inclusion. Adverts received after that date will be published if space permits. Advertising rates can be found on the website – www.presbyterianireland.org/herald – or telephone the Herald office on +44 (0)28 9032 2284 for more information.

Accommodation Northern Ireland PORTSTEWART: Excellent 4-bedroom cottage bungalow available June–Sept. Call 07513 826551, Email: pabloguy50@gmail.com. Facebook: @campbellandcorentalproperties PORTSTEWART: Sea Holly Lodge. Modern luxury bungalow, presented to the highest standard, 3 bedrooms (1 ensuite) in quiet cul-de-sac. Ten minutes’ walk from promenade, garden front and rear, TV/video, WiFi, washing machine, dryer, microwave. No smoking, no pets.

Available high and low season. Tel: Tommy or Hannah Collins 028 29540645; Mobile: 07989 397942.

PORTSTEWART: 4* Tourist Board Approved 3-bedroom terrace house, Enfield Street, Portstewart. Ideally located, 2-minute walking distance to promenade.

Tel: 07840 097157.

ONE-BEDROOM, SEASIDE COTTAGE to rent in Annalong, Co Down. 07711 653921.

PORTRUSH: Holiday home (Magheraboy area), 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8, close to shops, quiet cul-de-sac. Enclosed back garden.

No pets. NITB approved, Tel 028 40669198.

P O R T S T E WA R T H O L I D AY L E T : Townhouse, 3 bedrooms, 2-minute walk to promenade, WIFI. Full details phone 07800 802662.

50

Full Page – Outside Back

Herald March 2022

CROSSWORD Solution to no 266

ACROSS 1 Fringe 5 Emmaus 9 U.A.E. 11 ABC 13 Irritates 14 Nor 15 Knead 16 Ida 17 Hat-trick 20 Chill 21 Cricket 23 Nigh 26 Loped 27 S.V. 28 Etch 29 Earl Grey 31 Nod 32 Stain

DOWN 1 Frankincense 2 Increasing 3 Guildhall 4 Ear 6 Mother 7 Acts 8 Susan 10 Erratic 12 Bond 18 Incident 19 Stephen 22 Reply 24 Ivan 25 Hold 26 Lark 30 R.O.

Ross Morrow A.L.C.M., L.T.C.L.

Piano Tuning Services available throughout Ireland

Tel: +44 (0)28 9268 9468 Mobile: 07788 746992

Church AV Specialists

PA systems • Loop systems Projectors & screens • Installation & repairs alan@audiopromotions.co.uk www.audiopromotions.co.uk

07855 450887

Church and Faith Insurance

D O N AT I O N E N V E LO P E S

The TL Dallas team in Belfast has over 100 years collective experience in designing and arranging bespoke insurance products for the Faith sector.

Leveraging their experience, our Belfast team designed a facility for the Faith sector, which is now in its sixth year, and with the backing of Aviva, now covers over 200 churches. We also have access to Home Insurance policies for Ministers, including unique features, geared at protecting Ministers assets and responsibilities.

new product from

Tricord

Flexibility is at the heart of the facility, which we’ve seen many Clients benefit from, with significant premium savings and the comfort of extensive cover.

Get in touch today to learn more or for a no obligation quote.

Visit www.tldallas.com Call 02890 380 980 Email gary.proctor@tldallas.com TL Dallas (NI) Ltd is an appointed representative of TL Dallas & Co Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Dallas House, Low Moor, Bradford, BD12 0HF. Registered in England No. 645405.

Church Envelopes Great value envelopes from your new local accredited supplier

THE BENEFITS! Save Money

worship: pure and simple

Only purchase the actual envelope numbers that you need

Larger Envelope

77 x 118mm with a fulllength peel ‘n seal top opening

Better Visibility

FREE

A 50 x 50mm window shows most of the printed area of the envelope

Locally Sourced

Our materials are locally sourced, reducing the impact on the environment

COVID Secure

No more gummed envelopes to lick or handle

Fresh Colours

Palette of fresh vibrant colours to choose from

THE CASE STUDY We only print and supply the actual number of Envelope Sets that you need for your contributing members!

One of our customers traditionally purchased 350 envelope sets just because over the years the number range had grown and the annual bill for these had crept up to over £1,000.

...the refreshing alternative Usually £5. Get this study of biblical praise 100% FREE from our website, using the coupon code PH22.

www.reformationscotland.org

When we started to work with them on this we looked at the envelope numbers actually assigned to contributing members and they settled on exactly 202 sets at a cost of £565!

A saving of £515 or 48% Read the full Case Study here: Tricord Ltd 4 Ferguson Drive, Lisburn, BT28 2EX

DONVELOPE.NET

Are you a caring and compassionate person?

Choose a caring career..

£500

WELCOME BONUS*

We have full-time and part-time opportunities available across our homes in Bangor, North Belfast, South Belfast, Dundonald, Newcastle, Omagh and Garvagh.

For many roles, previous experience is not required as full training will be provided.

Team Leader £12 ph (Garvagh only) Senior Care Assistant £11.09 ph Care Assistant £9.69-£9.95 ph Relief Care Assistant £9.64 ph Relief Cook £9.64 ph Housekeeper £9.50 ph Kitchen Assistant £9.50 ph

We are hiring!

Benefits normally include: • Discount card – entitling you to money off in various locations • Free staff meals, uniform, and training • Enhanced annual leave • Free Access NI and NISCC registration • Enhanced maternity pay and pension scheme

Are you interested in a change of career?

Would you like to work in a caring and supportive workplace?

Download application packs from

www.presbyterianireland.org/jobs Or email personnel@presbyterianireland.org for more details WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER *Terms and conditions apply